Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'still want Declan Rice despite Moises Caicedo interest'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 29 January 2023

Arsenal reportedly still plan to move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the summer as they pursue a January deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.

Arsenal's interest in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is reportedly unaffected by their January pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.

The Gunners are working to bring in a new face in the engine room before Tuesday's January transfer deadline, with Mohamed Elneny potentially missing the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Thomas Partey also suffered a rib scare during Friday's FA Cup fourth-round loss to Manchester City, which would leave Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga as Arsenal's only two fit central midfielders.

Partey's injury is supposedly not a serious one, and he could return for the weekend's Premier League trip to Everton, but Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in reinforcements regardless.

Arsenal have seen a £60m offer for Brighton's Caicedo rejected by the Seagulls, who are understood to be after at least £80m or as much as £100m to sanction a January sale.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo in action on December 26, 2022 © Reuters

Prior to entering the race to sign the highly-rated Ecuadorian, Arsenal had apparently identified Rice as a leading summer target, but the Hammers are also expected to hold out for a mammoth £80m fee.

Despite concerns as to whether Arsenal would be able to afford moves for both men, The Mirror claims that the Gunners will still pursue Rice even if they spend a significant amount on Caicedo.

The England international is out of contract at the end of next season, and West Ham will be forced to relent on their £80m demands lest they risk Rice leaving for nothing in 2024.

The report adds that David Moyes's side are now expected to sanction a summer sale for closer to £60m, but Arsenal will still have to fend off competition from Chelsea for his signature.

The Blues have also seen a bid for Brighton's Caicedo turned down this month, but the 21-year-old sensationally took to social media to confirm his desire to leave the Amex Stadium after news of Arsenal's failed offer.

Declan Rice in action for West Ham United on October 1, 2022 © Reuters

"I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart," Caicedo wrote on Instagram.

"I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.

"I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.

"The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity."

Caicedo has allegedly been told to stay away from training in the wake of his comments, but Brighton remain adamant that the South American will not be leaving the club midway through the season.