Arsenal can wreck Chelsea summer plans completely after Manuel Ugarte drama
Arsenal has the opportunity to further worsen Chelsea’s situation by acquiring Moises Caicedo, a talented player from Brighton, during the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite the recent appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea has already faced significant challenges in recent days.
Pochettino, who will officially begin work on July 1, has identified Chelsea midfield as an area that requires improvement this summer. Pochettino’s midfield is expected to be built around countryman Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea have tried to acquire reinforcements but have so far struggled to attract their top targets. On Sunday evening, it became apparent that the Premier League outfit had lost out to Paris Saint-Germain in the battle to sign Manuel Ugarte.
Sporting Lisbon ace Ugarte had supposedly been earmarked by Pochettino as a player who could improve his midfield. However, it has been claimed that PSG have offered more money, with Chelsea missing out on one of their new manager’s top targets.
Arsenal has the potential to compound Chelsea’s difficulties at the beginning of the transfer window by securing the signing of Ecuadorian talent, Caicedo, ahead of their rivals. According to Ecuadorian publication Tera Deportes, the 21-year-old has reached an agreement on personal terms with Arsenal, indicating a potential move.
However, Arsenal would still need to negotiate a transfer fee with Brighton to complete the deal. While it is unclear how close the North London club is to finalizing the transfer for the former Independiente del Valle player, the fact that personal terms have already been agreed puts Arsenal in a stronger position compared to Chelsea.
Caicedo was key to Brighton’s remarkable success in 2022-23, helping them to surprisingly qualify for the Europa League. He was previously linked with Manchester United, but Arsenal and Chelsea now appear to be the frontrunners for his signature.
Losing out on Caicedo will ultimately mean that Chelsea have failed to sign two of their main targets for the midfield position. PSG are reportedly set to wrap up a move for Ugarte, whose Sporting contract possessed a £52million release clause.
Meanwhile, Arsenal could target Caicedo as part of their own midfield overhaul. Long-serving vice-captain Granit Xhaka is widely expected to depart to Bayer Leverkusen over the coming weeks, after nearly helping the Gunners topple Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal could prioritise a deal for former Chelsea youth prospect Declan Rice. Further developments over a move for the West Ham captain could take place after the Hammers’ Europa Conference League final showdown with Fiorentina on Wednesday.
Chelsea will continue to overhaul their squad after their latest setback with Ugarte. Pochettino is set to inherit an oversized squad that could need cropping before the West Londoners make any major signings this summer.
Arsenal can wreck Chelsea summer plans completely after Manuel Ugarte drama
