Arsenal have seen an offer worth £60m turned down for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a midfielder before the transfer deadline and the Gunners have made an approach to sign Caicedo.
The Ecuador international was subject of a £55m bid from Chelsea earlier the transfer window, an offer that was turned down by Brighton who want to keep Caicedo until the summer at least. According to The Athletic, Arsenal have now failed with a proposal worth a guaranteed £60m before add-ons.
Arsenal have already signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton this month and have also secured a deal for centre-back Jakub Kiwior from Spezia. Midfield is now the focus for the north Londoners, who want to sign Caicedo before Tuesday’s deadline and improve their title prospects.
Arsenal’s need for additions has been increased following a knee injury to Mohamed Elneny, leaving the club short of depth in central areas. However, Brighton’s stance is that Caicedo will not be sold this month.
Caicedo recently changed his representatives ahead of an expected departure from Brighton, with Liverpool also said to be monitoring his situation at the Amex Stadium.
The 21-year-old has shone since breaking into the Brighton side last April and has been a key part of the club’s push for European football this season.
