Chelsea have signed Moises Caicedo. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo has requested a transfer move away from the Seagulls this month amidst interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
The Blues and Mikel Arteta’s team both have had a bid rejected from the East Sussex side for the midfielder. Recently, the Gunners made a £60 million offer for the 21-year-old.
Subsequently, Caicedo has released a statement on his Instagram account (h/t football.london) stating that he wanted a move away from Brighton. The Ecuador international is eager to take the next step in his career.
“I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
“I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
The 20-year-old is of interest to both Chelsea and Arsenal. However, the Seagulls are looking for a figure close to £75 million to part ways with the young midfielder.
Brighton are in fine form in the current campaign. Caicedo has been a key player for them. Roberto De Zerbi’s team are currently vying for a spot in a European competition in the Premier League table.
However, Arsenal are flying high at the moment as well. The Gunners are first in the English top flight. They last lifted the league title under Arsene Wenger in the 2003/04 season. Arteta’s engine room seemingly lacks depth, with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey the only two established stars.
On the other hand, Chelsea are struggling as of now. Graham Potter has found life difficult in West London after his switch from the Seagulls earlier in the campaign.
The English gaffer has not had the likes of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic at his disposal for most of the season. As a result, the Stamford Bridge side have struggled in the middle of the park.
Caicedo is a talented youngster with huge potential. While Chelsea are not in their best moment, Potter was the one who gave the Ecuadorian his break at Brighton. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the 21-year-old’s situation unfolds with the deadline approaching.
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