Arsenal may be frustrated in their attempts to lure Moises Caicedo to the Emirates Stadium as the Brighton & Hove Albion star is not 'pushing' for a move, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has told GiveMeSport.
The Gunners have already raided their Premier League rivals during the January transfer window, with Leandro Trossard completing a switch worth up to £27million, but Mikel Arteta could strengthen his squad further ahead of the fast-approaching deadline.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Arsenal transfer news - Moises Caicedo
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are considering a move for Caicedo and could go head-to-head with Chelsea as the race for his services intensifies.
The north Londoners want to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and the Ecuador international is under consideration as an alternative option to West Ham United captain Declan Rice, who has emerged as a top target.
In a bid to stave off suitors ahead of the transfer window slamming shut, Brighton have placed a £100million valuation on Caicedo.
The Seagulls have already shown they are unwilling to lower their financial expectations as Chelsea saw a £55million bid turned down earlier this month.
Respected Italian journalist Rudy Galetti recently told GiveMeSport that Liverpool are another Premier League side monitoring Caicedo's situation.
What has Alex Crook said about Caicedo?
Crook understands that Brighton may stand firm and refuse to sell Caicedo, including at the end of the season, meaning Arsenal could be frustrated in their pursuit.
The talkSPORT reporter is aware the central midfielder, who linked up with a new agency recently, will not hand in a transfer request at the Amex Stadium.
During an interview with GiveMeSport on Thursday, Crook said: "I was told yesterday that they might not even cash-in on him in the summer.
"I don't think he's pushing for a move. I know that he's changed agents and that automatically makes people assume that's because he wants a move."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Caicedo be a good signing for Arsenal?
FBref statistics show Caicedo is averaging more tackles and blocks per 90 minutes, along with a better pass completion ratio, than current Arsenal midfield duo Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka this season.
Considering the Gunners are top of the Premier League and have only conceded 16 goals since the campaign got underway, that is no mean feat.
Caicedo has made 26 appearances in the English top flight, which will be an additional attraction for Arteta as it means he would not need time to get up to speed.
The 21-year-old's 6.96 WhoScored average match rating is only bettered by three Brighton teammates, along with new Arsenal man Trossard.
It is abundantly clear that Caicedo, who still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his £15,000-per-week contract at the Amex Stadium, would be an astute signing for Arsenal.
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