Arsenal are considering another approach for wantaway Brighton star Moses Caicedo, according to reports.
An impressive first half of the campaign triggered interest from the Gunners in January - but Brighton held firm. Caicedo - who only joined the Seagulls two years ago - even issued a public plea to try and force the move.
"I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them,” a statement read earlier this year. “I always play football with a smile and with heart. I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador.
“My dream has always been to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador. I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
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"The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
Ultimately, the 21-year-old stayed put but his performances did not waver as he helped Brighton secure European football for the first time in their history. Combative midfield displays are understood to have attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
London World are claiming Arsenal are ready to offer the same £75million package from January and Brighton are more susceptible to a deal. Club chairman Tony Bloom has already allowed Alexis Mac Allister to join Liverpool and has never stopped players from leaving in the summer previously.
The report also suggests that, while Caicedo favours a move, personal terms are yet to be agreed. Mikel Arteta has made strengthening his engine room a top priority ahead of another potential title tilt.
The move for the Brighton midfielder comes as Granit Xhaka is widely expected to leave the club for Bayer Leverkusen, while Jorginho has recently been heavily linked with a return to Italy to join Maurizio Sarri at Lazio.
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