Friday, March 29, 2024

Romano: Arsenal table £70m bid to make major signing before deadline day

Arsenal have tabled a major bid in order to secure the signing of a Premier League midfielder before the transfer window slams shut in just 48 hours. 

The Gunners have been rocked by the news of a long-term injury for Mohammed Elneny and they will need to dip into the market to ensure their midfield has sufficient depth to help in the title race. 

On Friday afternoon, it was revealed that Arsenal had a £60million offer rejected for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. Now, Arsenal have gone back with an improved offer after the player publicly asked to be sold by the club. 

Arsenal’s new bid is worth £70million, including add-ons – that’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano who broke the news on Sunday evening.

£60million was rejected without a second thought, and Brighton have publicly declared the player is not for sale. But the players desire to leave and subsequent omission from Sunday’s FA Cup squad, has suggested Arsenal may have some leverage in negotiations.  

On Friday, Moises released a statement that read:

“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. I always play football with a smile and with heart.

Embed from Getty Images

“I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always 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.

“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.”

The Gunners have a good working relationship with Brighton having signed Ben White and more recently Leandro Trossard from the south coast club. 

Although he is only 21, Caicedo already has 28 caps for his country Ecuador. This highlights how good he is for a man of his age. This would be a signing that’s for the now and the future and a player who can help provide cover in two of Arsenal’s midfield positions, currently occupied by Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, with very little in reserve. 

Explore more