Arsenal target Moises Caicedo is ‘playing at a really high level’ for both club and country at this moment in time, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Gunners are one of several top-level sides who have been linked with the highly-rated 21-year-old in the past, and he is now shining for Ecuador at the World Cup.
Arsenal transfer news – Moises Caicedo
Back in August, The Express claimed that both Arsenal and Manchester United were interested in prising Caicedo away from the Amex Stadium.
Brighton only signed the combative midfielder from his boyhood club Independiente as recently as February 2021, but his outstanding displays have caught the eye of some of the Premier League’s elite outfits.
A recent report from The Mirror has claimed that Brighton are ready to cash-in on Caicedo with Newcastle United, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea credited with an interest in him.
The Seagulls are reportedly set to demand £85 million for their prized asset, who still has two-and-a-half-years left to run on his £10,000-per-week contract.
What has Jones said about Caicedo?
Jones disclosed that he hasn’t ‘heard anything specifically about Arsenal’ being in the running for Caicedo but that he believes the engine room operator could play for ‘any top six club’.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He's playing at a really high level at the moment. It looks like that next step up is not very far away for him now.
“I haven't heard anything specifically about Arsenal being in the mix right now, but look at the way he's playing, there’s every reason to believe that he would fit in at any top-six club at the moment.”
How well is Caicedo playing?
Caicedo may have only registered two goals and two assists in his 25 appearances for Brighton, but his underlying numbers highlight his overall influence over proceedings.
As per WhoScored, the tough-tackling dynamo has averaged 3.1 tackles, the joint-highest tally amongst his teammates, and 1.4 interceptions, the joint-second highest total, per Premier League game this season.
Caicedo has also averaged 1.1 key passes, the joint-fifth highest tally when compared to his Brighton colleagues, showcasing his influence at both ends of the pitch, leading to him being labelled "fantastic".
If Arsenal do decide to revive their interest in Caicedo, then he could prove to be a valuable addition to Mikel Arteta’s ongoing revolution at the Emirates Stadium.