29 January 2023 , 02:00
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Arsenal are the club pursuing Moises Caicedo - but the player has confessed his "dream" is to play for Manchester United.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their ranks this term as they aim to win a first Premier League title since 2004. A lack of squad depth has been cited as a potential issue, which has motivated them to go into the market. A move for the Brighton star is now on the cards, with the player himself keen on a switch to the Emirates.
12 months ago though Caicedo, who recently represented Ecuador at the World Cup, cited his desire to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Antonio Valencia, who spent several years at Old Trafford, having been signed by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Last year he told The Athletic: "My dream is to play for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is an example to follow. With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things."
Despite Caicedo's fondness for the Red Devils, they are unlikely to act given their investment in Casemiro in the summer. They had chased Frenkie de Jong for several months but eventually bought in the former Real Madrid man to complement the likes of Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay.
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Arsenal meanwhile have largely relied on Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey to dominate their midfield. There is a lack of depth behind them, which is a concern. Caicedo has gone public with his desire to leave, underlining his want to realise a "magnificent opportunity".
Moises Caicedo has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal (Getty Images)He said on social media: “I am grateful to Mr [Tony] 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 hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.
“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,” Caicedo added. “I always play football with a smile and with heart. I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.”
Brighton have now told Caicedo to take time off until the January transfer window closes on Tuesday. It means he will miss their FA Cup clash with Liverpool but the Seagulls bosses feel having him in and around the group will only be a distraction.