Arsenal reignite move for elite Caicedo alternative after Brighton hold out; transfer could cost fraction of true value
Brighton’s unwillingness to sell Moises Caicedo this month has prompted Arsenal to rekindle their interest in a Leicester City midfielder who can reportedly be signed for a reduced fee.
The Gunners have submitted two official bids for Caicedo, the latest totaling £70m (including add-ons). CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs Brighton reportedly rejected the offer “within minutes” and with a competitor Chelsea return for Enzo Fernandezit seems that Caicedo will stay.
The Seagulls are dead against losing such an important player so late in the window. However, as they showed when they quickly launched a move for Leandro Trossard after missing out on Myklhailo Mudryk, Arsenal are flexible in the market.
Mikel Arteta seeks reinforcements in the engine room to guide Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004.
Thomas Partey’s recent rib injury is not as bad as first feared and the Ghanaian superstar could be back in action next weekend evening standard. However, with the stakes so high, Arteta is determined to expand his ranks.
On that front, Ben Jacobs recently stressed that a move for Leicester’s Youri Tielemans is not out of the question.
“Not necessarily,” said Jacobs when asked if Arsenal’s interest in Tielemans had waned.
“He wasn’t quite right for her over the summer and next summer he’s (as things stand) free.
“So I think Arsenal would clearly prefer to get him for free if they’re going after him (and he’s still on their radar). Leicester City really don’t want to lose him mid-season either.”
Tielemans is out of contract at the end of the season but with Caicedo now seemingly off the table, multiple sources are announcing a revived move for the Belgian.
Arsenal signing for Youri Tielemans?
talkSPORT are among them, explaining that the Arsenal hierarchy “believe Leicester could be tempted to make money”.
90 mins Take it a step further and say it’s the Gunners ‘considering a late bid’ for the 25 year old.
Tielemans has turned down all offers to stay at King Power beyond the current season.
During his time there he was an outstanding player, winning both the Leicester Player of the Season and the Leicester Players’ Player of the Season awards in the 2020-21 season. He also scored the winning goal while guiding the Foxes to their first-ever FA Cup 18 months ago.
A move in January represents Leicester’s last chance to secure a fee, although given their weak bargaining position it would cost Arsenal a fraction of its true value.
As Jacobs reported, Brendan Rodgers’ side are reluctant to lose such a proven and influential figure midseason. The fact that they are just one point away from the relegation zone will also increase their resolve.
However, if Arsenal’s Caicedo pursuit is really over then Tielemans would make an excellent back-up plan.
what’s more 90 mins Significantly, Tielemans adds that he would be “open” to the move.
The ball is now in Arsenal’s hands to make an offer Leicester find too good to refuse. Given the size of their Caicedo bids, the money is clearly for spending.
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