The versatile youngster could come in and revolutionize the brutal wing of Arteta’s system.
Arsenal’s long-running pursuit of Moises Caicedo has been dragging on, but the latest update hints at a breakthrough that could fast-track the deal to completion.
What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo at Arsenal?
That’s according to transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, who spoke to GIVEMESrORT about Mikel Arteta’s desperation to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion star.
After failing to win the Premier League title, the focus now looks set to turn to strengthening their already impressive squad in an attempt to bridge the gap between themselves and Manchester City.
The Italian journalist claims. “It will definitely not be easy because there is a lot of interest for Caicedo. All English clubs work around Moises Caicedo, so it’s not easy.
“This is because Arsenal tried to sign him in January. They wanted to be quick because they knew it would be difficult to attack Moises Caicedo’s situation in the summer.
“But there is certainly interest from Arsenal and it has been a conversation from the player’s side.”
Other reports suggest it will take £90m to lure him away from the Amex, £20m more than what the Gunners saw the midfielder turn down in January.
Can Moises Caicedo emulate Alexander Zinchenko?
While many would naturally assume that the Ecuador international would be recruited for the engine room, recent activity under Roberto de Zerbi has hinted at a new idea that Arteta could be committed to them.
Only last week the youngster came into his own against Arsenal, winning a truly ridiculous 13 ground fight, five of which were successful tackles as he brought down Gabriel Martinelli.
Given Arteta’s success in Alexander Zinchenko’s inverted left-back role, the 21-year-old’s arrival would appear to provide his perfect antithesis to add a more creative defensive presence to your side.
After all, an average rating of 7.10 is mostly highlighted by statistics that match the main assets of Ukraine International.
Caicedo’s 89% рass accuracy, 1.2 key рasses and 2.8 tackles р per game (via Sofascore) offer a huge upgrade for the former Citizens defender, who has instead maintained an 88% рass accuracy, 0.7 рass1 key game.
Journalist Andy Naylor tried to praise the exploits of the Brighton midfield monster just last month, suggesting that the relentless pace of work had turned him into a ‘machine’ figure. Adding that kind of energy at tight end could stretch their position longer, while essentially having a midfielder like Zinchenko or Trent Alexander-Arnold at fullback.
With Granit Xhaka looking set to leave, fans may wonder if Arteta would sign the £15,000-a-week midfielder just to play at full-back. However, the domino effect it can achieve will strengthen different areas of the team in one fell swoop.
If Caicedo is at full-back, Ben White will be freed to provide much-needed competition for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalaes at centre-back, making Robbie redundant. It would also mean another midfielder to be acquired, paving the way for a real big money deal to sign Declan Rice.
If the potential new man makes any impact for Zinchenko in his debut year in North London, he could be the catalyst for further progress amid a shock regime.