Arsenal still have chance to land dream duo as Chelsea 'not close' to signing top target

 Arsenal still have the opportunity to build Mikel Arteta’s dream midfield this summer by acquiring the services of Moises Caicedo from Brighton. The Ecuador international looked destined to join Chelsea this summer, though negotiations are ‘not close’ with the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Following their impressive 2022/23 campaign, Arteta made it clear that he wanted to continue strengthening his squad in order to close the gap on Manchester City. The Spaniard prioritised a rebuild in midfield – allowing Granit Xhaka to leave and putting several players in the shop window.

Thomas Partey is among those who could depart, with Saudi clubs circling in hope of landing the Ghana international. Thus, Arsenal could add another top-quality player to their midfield ranks – with Caicedo still admired.

Earlier this summer, Arteta intended on signing both the Brighton star and Declan Rice but the finances involved became a deterrent and they prioritised the latter, who recently arrived for £105million. Though there is every chance that the Gunners could sign the ‘dream duo’ because the Daily Mail report that Chelsea are ‘not close’ to matching the Seagulls’ £100m asking price for Caicedo.

The Blues have been locked in negotiations with Brighton for weeks, though Mauricio Pochettino’s side appear reluctant to welcome another £100m signing given that they forked out a similar fee for Enzo Fernandez in January. The Seagulls are adamant that they will not accept a lesser figure for their No 25 and are now including Caicedo in their pre-season plans – with their squad set to leave for the US on Monday.