Chelsea might have an advantage over Arsenal in signing Moises Caicedo

Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo is pushing for a transfer with Chelsea and Arsenal circling around like sharks. Both sides have seen their bids rejected as the Seagulls want to keep hold of the Ecuadorian at least till the summer. However, Chelsea and Arsenal will continue to push in the final few days of the transfer window.

Chelsea have been wanting to sign a midfielder this month and opened the negotiations for Benifca’s Enzo Fernandez. After it was crystal clear that Benfica won’t do a deal unless the release clause of €120 million was paid, CFC started looking at other alternatives.

Brighton’s Caicedo was touted as an alternative as the Blues explored the idea of signing the 21 year old in January. CFC made a bid of £55 million which was knocked down instantly by the Seagulls as they were not interested in selling the midfielder in January. Only an extraordinary offer upwards of £75 million would turn their heads and make them consider their stance.

Arsenal have also made a £60 million bid for the 21 year old but Brighton rejected their bid too as their stance remains the same. Caicedo changed his agents at the start of the week and since then the whole Caicedo saga has blown up. The player wants a move and has hinted at wanting a transfer publicly.

Chelsea might have a small advantage in signing Moises Caicedo

Chelsea and Arsenal, both continue to chase Caicedo. The biggest stumbling block is Brighton’s reluctance to sell him in January. According to The Independent, Brighton have slapped a price tag of £90 million, even though they still want to keep the Ecuadorian at the Amex Stadium. Caicedo is also been told not to report to training and has not been included in the FA Cup clash against Liverpool.

The Gunners are expected to come back with another offer for the Ecuadorian. Even though Arsenal are pushing hard to make a swoop, CFC might have some advantage when it comes to pulling Caicedo to Stamford Bridge.

Graham Potter has worked with Caicedo at Brighton and knows the Ecuadorian well. Potter’s presence at Chelsea might tip the 21 year old to make the decision to sign for the Blues. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Caicedo doesn’t have a particular allegiance to any club and could choose either of Arsenal or Chelsea but the previous conversations he must have had would play a part.

"So it’s going to be interesting to see what the direction of travel is with the actual valuation. My sense is the first club to agree a deal with Brighton will be the club that Caicedo goes to, because I don’t think that he’s got as defined loyalty to either.Chelsea’s interest is definitely more long-standing. And he has already held conversations as I understand it with Graham Potter. (via Chelsea Fan TV)"

Perhaps, CFC will be able to offer him a starting role compared to Arsenal. The Gunners are looking for a Thomas Partey backup but Chelsea need a midfielder in their engine. With the contract situation of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, Caicedo is destined to have an extended role if the midfielders don’t renew at the club.

Will CFC beat Arsenal to the signing of Moises Caicedo?