June 17th 2023.
Moises Caicedo now looks set to join Chelsea after Arsenal pulled out of the race to sign him. The 21-year old Brighton midfielder had requested a transfer in January, and while his request was denied, he and the club had struck an agreement that he'd be allowed to leave in the summer for the right offer.
Reports from his native Ecuador state that Caicedo had been keen on a move to the Emirates and had agreed on personal terms. However, when Brighton asked for an amount in excess of £80million for a player with only 18 months of Premier League experience, Arsenal were unwilling to enter a bidding war with Chelsea.
The Blues have already had an opening offer of £60m for Caicedo rejected, but are expected to return with a second offer closer to the asking price. Both London clubs are rebuilding their midfields this summer with significant change ahead, with Arsenal ready to spend a large portion of their budget on West Ham captain Declan Rice, and Chelsea granting Mateo Kovavic permission to join Manchester City for £40million.
Manchester United have also confirmed a string of departures, while Chelsea have rejected Arsenal's opening offer for Kai Havertz. Chelsea are also ready to let academy graduates Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek depart should they receive suitable offers. With final negotiations underway, it looks like Moises Caicedo is ready to make his choice and join Chelsea this summer.
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