ARSENAL fans believe Moises Caicedo will join them in the summer after the Brighton midfielder opened up about his failed January move and revealed he is backing the Gunners for the title.
The Ecuadorian, 22, was heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates as Mikel Arteta eyed mid-season reinforcements.
But the Gunners saw offers of £60million and £70m rejected by the Seagulls as the South Coast side kept hold of their man – who joined for £4.5m in February 2021.
Caicedo then took to Instagram and pleaded with Brighton to let him go.
But he only succeeded in being dropped from Roberto De Zerbi’s side as the window closed without a deal being agreed.
Now the former Independiente man has opened up about the saga and the criticism he received – while leaving the door open to a move in the future.
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Speaking to The Telegraph, Caicedo said: “I was really close to going [to Arsenal]. I suffered a lot.
“I’m sure I’m going to have many more opportunities. That’s why I continue to do things well. [But] it was tough.
“At the beginning when I didn’t end up going, lots of people would make fun of me on Instagram.
“People treated me badly. I didn’t check my social media because it would hurt me to see things.”
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Caicedo, who insists he “hopes” Arsenal win the title this season, also spoke about what he saw in the club that attracted him.
He added: “I’d seen a lot of Arsenal before knowing that there was a possibility of me signing for them.
“I watched them and I liked them because they have very young, talented players and some stars but they always have that mindset of wanting more.”
The comments have led Arsenal supporters to come to the conclusion that the South American is still keen to come to the Emirates.
Reacting on social media, one person said: “He’s one of us ❤️ get him to [the] Emirates next season.”
Another added: “Bring him home now!!”
A third replied: “Love him already, he is a gooner through and through.”
And a fourth responded: “This guy is desperate to play for the badge 💯. It’s over to Arsenal to get the job done.”
Since the transfer speculation ended, Caicedo has penned a new Brighton contract until 2027.
But he is still being linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer.
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His form in the second half of the season has remained impressive as Brighton push for a European spot.
De Zerbi’s men sit seventh in the Premier League table, four points adrift of fifth-place Tottenham with two games in hand.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
