Arsenal have a £60m bid REJECTED for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo

Arsenal have had a £60m bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo rejected. 

Caicedo, 21, has also been widely linked with a move to Chelsea this month but the Blues have seen two bids rejected for him, with the Seagulls declaring their star man is not for sale.

Earlier this week, it was also reported that Arsenal were interested in the Ecuadorian international and they have now made their move.

However, the offer was rejected out-of-hand as Brighton’s position on not selling Caicedo will not change.

Arsenal are keen to sign a new midfielder to ensure their title push isn’t derailed, with the Gunners lacking strength in depth in that position.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have been exceptional this season, but Albert Sambi Lokonga has flattered to decieve – while Mohamed Elneny is set to be absent for a while after suffering a knee injury in training.

The Gunners want to strengthen their options in midfield after an injury to Mohamed Elneny

Caicedo has emerged as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League

Declan Rice is emerging as one of their top summer targets, with the 24-year-old widely-expected to leave West Ham at the end of the season – but Arsenal are keen to strengthen now.

The Gunners have significant funds available in the transfer market, as demonstrated by their failed pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk – who moved to Chelsea. 

When speaking earlier this week, Caicedo had insisted he was only concentrating on playing for De Zerbi’s side and continuing their impressive season which sees them in sixth place.

He said: ‘I am focused on Brighton. I am here, I’m playing every day. Things from outside don’t trouble me, nor does it take that focus away, because I’m focused only on here.

‘I handle [the speculation] well. You hear rumours here and there, but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club that opened the doors for me to be playing every week.’

Caicedo joined the Seagulls from Independiente del Valle in Ecuador back in 2021.

Mikel Arteta is keen to make sure they can maintain their Premier League title challenge

 He has since gone on to make 31 appearances for the club and has established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League.

Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand on Man City – while they face their title rivals in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night.