Arsenal have been dealt a major transfer blow after Brighton starlet Moises Caicedo has already revealed his 'dream club'.
Mikel Arteta has made his feelings clear regarding the club looking to sign more players before the transfer window closes, with the Gunners thought to be targeting a central midfielder and winger. Arsenal have spent in excess of £100million for the second successive summer after the arrivals of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos.
Premier League rivals Manchester United are also interested in signing Caicedo from Brighton this summer, with the Gunners set to face yet another transfer battle with Erik ten Hag's side. Arsenal missed out on signing Lisandro Martinez after United pipped the north Londoners to his signature, and a similar situation may happen again following Caicedo's past comments.
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Since joining Brighton, the 20-year-old talent has continued to impress including during the Seagulls' recent 2-1 win at Old Trafford. With United and Arsenal looking set to fight over Caicedo's signature, the Ecuadorian midfielder may attempt to push for a move to join Ten Hag's side instead admitting in the past that it is a "dream" of his to play for United.
Speaking to The Athletic last year, Caicedo admitted: "My dream is to play for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is an example to follow.
"With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things."
This deals Arsenal a major blow should they come to agree a deal with Brighton for the 20-year-old, despite the Seagulls being unwilling to part ways with their young talent after already losing Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella. If it comes down to a choice between the Gunners or United, Caicedo's decision looks to have already been made.
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