Arsenal’s Blunder in Moises Caicedo Pursuit Reveals Strained Relationship with Arteta
According to a new claim, Arsenal harmed their relationship with Brighton by pursuing Moises Caicedo.
Mikel Arteta’s team signed Jorginho from Chelsea on Deadline Day for £12million.
The seasoned Italian, who has signed an initial 18-month contract with Arsenal, is a much-needed boost to Arteta’s midfield.
Throughout January, the Gunners attempted to acquire a new midfielder to bolster their title chances. However, the team was unsuccessful in luring their key target Caicedo.
The leaders of the Premier League filed two proposals totaling up to £70 million for the 21-year-old Ecuadorian international.
Yet Brighton, who hope to qualify for European competition this season, insisted the midfielder would not go during the winter transfer window.
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Arsenal’s relationship with Brighton is “damaged”
According to a recent report by Athletic, Arsenal’s pursuit of Caicedo “hurt” their relationship with Brighton.
According to the report, Arsenal did not anticipate their initial £60 million offer to be approved, but they had wanted to at least begin negotiations for the player.
However, the Gunners “misjudged the scenario,” as the Seagulls rejected the offer within minutes and made it clear they had no intention of releasing Caicedo.
The following day, Brighton’s owner and chairman Tony Bloom is believed to have called Arsenal board member Tim Lewis. Despite Bloom’s repeated insistence that Brighton would not allow their prized asset depart, the negotiations reached an impasse.
However, Arsenal tested Brighton’s determination one last time by increasing their offer to £65 million with a further £5 million for prospective add-ons. It was again rejected.
Arsenal committed an error with their second proposal. According to the Athletic, Brighton were “confused and upset” that Arsenal did not get the message, and that the previously amicable relationship between the two teams had been “broken.”
Arsenal had already recruited Ben White and Leandro Trossard from the south coast club, but their failed pursuit of Caicedo in January could hinder future efforts to acquire the star.
