Arsenal have had conversations with the agents of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, the reliable Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.
The 21-year-old now shares the same football agency as Ivan Fresneda, another Arsenal target, and Romano says the Gunners have been speaking to them about the two.
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Arsenal transfer news - Moises Caicedo
The Evening Standard recently reported that Arsenal are interested in signing Caicedo before the transfer window closes as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in competition for Thomas Partey. Since then, Romano has revealed that they have launched a £60m bid for him.
Brighton are likely to put up a real fight to keep hold of the Ecuadorian, though, with The Times claiming that their valuation is £100m.
As well as Caicedo, Arsenal are also trying to sign Fresneda to strengthen the right-back position.
Transfer insider Dean Jones told GMS earlier this week that the north London club are hopeful of landing the young Spaniard.
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What has Fabrizio Romano said about Moises Caicedo and Arsenal?
Romano has informed GMS that Arsenal have been in contact with Futbol Division, who are now responsible for handling Caicedo's football-related affairs.
Speaking about the Gunners' interest in the player, the Italian journalist said: "They've had conversations with the new agents of Caicedo because they are the same agents of Fresneda. This is why the situation has changed in the last few weeks, and this is why Arsenal and Liverpool are well informed."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Confirmed Deals, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Will Arsenal sign Moises Caicedo before next week's deadline?
It is going to be difficult. Brighton are demanding an obscene amount of money and are under no pressure to sell.
They recently sold Leandro Trossard to Arsenal so have already managed to bring in some funds this month.
Should their stance soften or Arsenal be willing to stump up the cash, though, Caicedo could be an amazing addition to their squad.
The Ecuador international has quickly proven to be an effective ball-winner in the Premier League, recording an average of 2.9 tackles per game this term. No player in Brighton's squad is making more, according to WhoScored.
His arrival would take some pressure off Partey, who has also been great at reclaiming possession for his side in the current campaign. Like Caicedo, the 29-year-old's average of 2.3 tackles is the highest among his team-mates.
Unfortunately for Arteta, Caicedo arriving at the Emirates before the transfer window closes seems unlikely. Unless Brighton decrease their valuation, you would expect the former Independiente del Valle man to remain at the Amex Stadium.
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