Why Are Arsenal And Chelsea Interested In Brighton Midfielder Moises Caicedo?

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion applauds fans after the … [+] Premier League match between Southampton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Friends Provident St. Mary’s Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

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Moises Caicedo’s rise as one of Brighton’s most important players has been a rapid one. This time last year, the Ecuadorian had only just returned to the Amex Stadium as something of an unknown quantity following a loan spell at Beerschot in Belgium. Now, Caicedo is interesting some of the Premier PINC League’s biggest clubs.

Recent reports claim Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in the 21-year-old with both clubs believed to have placed offers for Caicedo. Brighton are holding form in their valuation of their prize asset, but there is a growing sense Caicedo will depart the south coast club sooner rather than later.

There is good reason for Chelsea to be interested in particular. Their midfield is currently ill-equipped to play the way Graham Potter wants and so a reunion with Caicedo, who he coached at Brighton, would make sense for the Blues boss. Caicedo would give Chelsea the two-way quality they lack at this moment in time.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter applauds the fans after the Premier League match at Anfield, … [+] Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday January 21, 2023. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)

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Chelsea have also been linked with Enzo Fernandez. Benfica still refuse to buckle in their insistence that any suitor will need to pay €120m to sign the 2022 World Cup winner. This transfer fee would make Fernandez the most expensive midfielder in Premier League history which would be remarkable for someone who has yet to make 100 appearances at senior club level.

Caicedo would be a cheaper option, albeit not by much, and there might be a lesser degree of risk to his signing given his history with Potter. Caicedo might not carry the goal threat of Fernandez, but he offers more in the defensive side of the game and energy through his movement.

Arsenal also need midfield reinforcements, although their situation is different to Chelsea’s. Chelsea need first-team starters while the Premier League table-toppers require depth behind their central pairing of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. Caicedo would surely receive regular game tine, but he would face stiffer competition at the Emirates Stadium.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier … [+] League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 06, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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“He is very important for us, it would be difficult to change with another player now,” said Di Zerbi when asked whether Caicedo could leave Brighton this month. “I hope he finishes the season with us, but you know in the transfer market it is always difficult to give you one answer. When there are some bigger teams and they want one of our players, it is good news for us. If Caicedo continues to play like this – like the last games – it is possible he can leave for another team.”

The potential of Caicedo is clear. He has excelled in the Premier League this season with Brighton a better team for the 21-year-old’s presence in their midfield. Caicedo would improve both Arsenal and Chelsea, but there are different reasons for the rivals to sign the Ecuadorian. All parties concerned, including Brighton, have decisions to make before the January window closes.