Liverpool handed major transfer boost after Arsenal ‘damage’ their chances of signing summer target
Liverpool have received a major transfer boost after Arsenal ‘damaged’ their chances of signing Moises Caicedo, according to a new report.
The Reds endured a frustrating winter window during which they welcomed just one new signing, Cody Gakpo, who signed from PSV Eindhoven for an initial fee of £37m.
The Anfield club are still in dire need of reinforcements in midfield as top stars Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson have all been underwhelmed this season. Meanwhile, their understudies Naby Keita and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain are due to leave in the summer after their contracts expire.
In turn, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with some of the most sought-after midfielders in the world, including Chelsea’s record-breaking signing Enzo Fernandez, Borussia Dortmund’s Judas Bellingham and Brighton’s Caicedo.
Liverpool, who will be hoping for a more fruitful summer window, have been given a boost in their pursuit of the latter player in particular.
Liverpool’s Caicedo boost
Athletic say Liverpool’s rivals in pursuit of Caicedo have ‘damaged’ Arsenal with their relationship with Brighton.
In fact, the Premier League leaders saw two bids worth up to £70m for the 21-year-old, who was turned down by Brighton in January.
Arsenal reportedly knew their opening £60m bid would be rejected by the Seagulls, but the Gunners had hoped it would at least start a negotiation for the player.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side “misjudged the situation” as Brighton rejected their offer within minutes, clarifying that Caicedo was not for sale.
A day later, a phone call between Tony Bloom, Brighton owner and chairman, and Arsenal board member Tim Lewis is said to have taken place, in which Bloom reiterated that Brighton would not be leaving the Ecuador international mid-season.
However, Arsenal again tested Brighton’s resolve with a £65m bid plus £5m in potential add-ons. It was rejected again.
The Athletic claimed Brighton were “perplexed and irritated” by Arsenal’s persistence and that the cordial relationship between the two clubs had been “damaged”.
Arsenal’s broken relationship with Brighton could benefit Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Reds’ chances may also have improved with Chelsea’s record-breaking £107m British deal from Fernandez.
The Blues turned their attention to Fernandez after seeing a £55million bid for Caicedo rejected last month.
