Chelsea Closing In as Arsenal Set to Lose Out on Midfield Target

According to a report from Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard, Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Moises Caicedo.

Kinsella’s report states that the Blues are making “good progress in negotiations” with the midfielder who is said to be keen on a move and ready to agree personal terms.

Chelsea Prepared to Pip Arsenal to Moises Caicedo Signing

Chelsea close to Jackson deal with positive new progress in Caicedo talks

✍️ @NizaarKinsellahttps://t.co/P3gX3OP62n

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) June 23, 2023

What Caicedo Offers?

The middle of the park was a weakness for the club last season under every one of their four managers. The absence of N’Golo Kante played a big part in that and as the campaign drew on it became clear that a new defensive-minded midfielder would be needed to partner Enzo Fernandez due to Kante’s injury issues and age.

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The Brighton & Hove Albion player is the perfect person to fill the spot next to the January signing. He has displayed an unnatural ability to break up plays throughout his tenure in the Premier League.

Arsenal Interest

Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian reported earlier this month that Arsenal were “considering bidding” for the services of the Ecuadorian. This was on top of the Gunners’ desire to pick up Declan Rice in what would have been a major revamp of their midfield after falling short in the title race.

Read More: ‘Shifted Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy’: Pochettino Makes Baffling Transfer Decision – Opinion

It appears that Mikel Arteta’s side will not be securing the signing of the 21-year-old as the Evening Standard’s report placed Mauricio Pochettino’s new team firmly in pole position.

With Chelsea confirming the departure of Kante on June 21, this is a great deal to get over the line as the middle of the park was beginning to look bare at Stamford Bridge. In Caicedo, they may have found a long-term option to partner and get the most out of Fernandez.

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