Caicedo to Arsenal ‘completely off’

Journalist Fabrizio Romano says that any deal for Arsenal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion central midfielder Moises Caicedo is now ‘completely off’.

The Lowdown: Jorginho in…

Romano reported this afternoon that Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has signed for Arsenal until 2024, with the option of a further year, and has even been pictured with his agent in a Gunners home shirt.

This comes after it was reported that another one of their targets Caicedo was ‘in London’ today ahead of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.

The Latest: Caicedo ‘completely off’

Taking to Twitter, Romano says that any deal to take Caicedo to North London is now ‘completely off’ after two bids were rejected, with Mikel Arteta’s team set to announce the arrival of Jorginho instead ‘soon’:

“Understand Moises Caicedo deal with Arsenal is now completely off. No further talks will follow. Brighton never changed their stance: no intention to accept £60m or £70m proposals. Plan has always been to keep Caicedo. Arsenal will announce Jorginho soon.”

The Verdict: Midfielder was needed

Following Arsenal’s statement earlier today that Mohamed Elneny has suffered a ‘significant’ knee injury, and has been ruled out for an ‘extended period’, Arsenal needed to bring in a midfielder before the deadline.

Albert Sambi Lokonga is also closing in on a loan move to Crystal Palace, leaving Arteta short in terms of options in the middle of the park.

Jorginho may be overlooked by some supporters given the fact that he is 31 and coming from a London rival in Chelsea, but former Gunner Paul Merson has given a glowing assessment of the Italian, claiming that it is ‘outstanding’ business given his experience and what he has won in the game, and called his reported £12m fee a ‘cup of tea’.

It is a shame to miss out on Caicedo, who has been described as a ‘terrific athlete‘ by South American football expert Tim Vickery, but at least the Gunners look to have got a body through the door, and Jorginho will be motivated to impress given that they are going for the Premier League title.