ARSENAL have received a boost in their hunt for Moises Caicedo after learning Brighton are close to signing a potential replacement.
The Seagulls have agreed a £5.25million fee with AIK Solna for Swedish Under-21 international Yasin Ayari.
And Arsenal are hoping that could still open the door for Caicedo to depart before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
Brighton announced today that Yasin, 19, has signed a contract to 2027 after completing a medical for his move to the Amex, subject to international clearance.
In a statement, Brighton technical director David Weir said: “Yasin is a versatile and technical midfield player, who is good on the ball and capable of playing across the midfield.
“He’s had an impressive spell in Sweden with AIK, and we are delighted to have completed his transfer and to be welcoming him to the club.
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“He will need time to settle here and acclimatise to the Premier League, but we are really looking forward to working with him.”
Brighton insist that his arrival will not affect their determination to keep hold of Caicedo as Roberto De Zebri’s team look to secure European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
Caceido has been told to stay away from training until the transfer window closes after submitting an official transfer request at the weekend.
He was not involved in Sunday’s FA Cup win against Liverpool, but with Alexis Mac Allister suspended after collecting five yellow cards, he could return to first-team action for Saturday’s home game against Bournemouth
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Arsenal submitted an improved bid of £65m plus a further £5m in add-ons on Sunday evening which was immediately rejected by Brighton.
But they are refusing to take “no” for an answer and are now contemplating going back with a club record £75m offer for the unsettled 21-year-old.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal for Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda.
Fresneda was left out of his side’s recent clash against Valencia.
The right-back will reportedly cost the Gunners £13m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk