Arsenal and Chelsea dealt massive blow as long-term target signs new deal at current club - Reports
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo has doused chances of a move to Arsenal or Chelsea in the summer by signing a new long-term deal with the Seagulls. The Ecuadorian was a target for both London clubs in the January transfer window.
Caicedo seemed to be on his way out of the Amex amid intense speculation over a move to either the Gunners or Blues. The two London rivals made offers of around £60-70 million for the midfielder.
However, Brighton rejected those proposals and insisted that the player was not for sale. That was despite the Ecuadorian taking to Instagram to request a public transfer.
Moisés Caicedo has expressed on Instagram that he wants to leave Brighton, following Arsenal's £60m bid today.
🚨🔵 Moisés Caicedo has expressed on Instagram that he wants to leave Brighton, following Arsenal's £60m bid today. https://t.co/hp0kv2zUQi
The young midfielder remains at the Amex and has now committed his long-term future to the club.
Caicedo has featured 25 times across competitions, scoring one goal and providing an assist this season. He has signed a new four-year deal with the option of a further year. His manager, Roberto De Zerbi, is delighted with the extension, telling Brighton's website:
"This is a fantastic news for the club, our fans, for me and most importantly for Moises. It will make us stronger as we move forward towards our targets on the pitch."
Arsenal moved on to Jorginho from Chelsea once they learned of Brighton's £90 million valuation of Caicedo. The Italian midfielder arrived at the Gunners for £12 million.
Meanwhile, Graham Potter's side got their top midfield target, Enzo Fernandez, from Benfica. The Blues shattered the British transfer record to land the Argentine for £106.8 million.
A future move for Caicedo, potentially in the summer, was still a possibility for Arsenal and Chelsea. However, the midfielder now seems more than happy to stay at Brighton.
Amadou Onana opens door to potential move to Arsenal or Chelsea
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has also been on Arsenal and Chelsea's radar. The Belgian rejected interest from both London sides in January, as he wanted to help the Toffees in their fight against relegation.
However, he has opened the door on a potential move to the Emirates or Stamford Bridge in an interview. Onana foresees himself playing for a top club in the future:
"I see myself having had a lot of life experiences, which will have made me learn a lot about human beings in general, as well as about myself. I see myself, God willing, in one of the biggest clubs recognised worldwide."
Amadou Onana for Everton vs. Liverpool:
◉ Highest pass accuracy (88%)
◉ Most duels won (11)
◉= Most ball recoveries (8)
◉ Most tackles (7)
◉ Most aerial duels won (3)
He will sleep well tonight. 🥵 https://t.co/wDiOksJ8w8
Onana joined Everton from LOSC Lille last summer for £33.5 million. He has scored one goal and provided an assist in 25 games across competitions. The Belgian has been key for Sean Dyche's side this season.