3 reasons why Moisés Caicedo would be a great signing for Arsenal

With just a few days left of the January transfer window, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Brighton’s defensive midfielder, Moisés Caicedo.

With an Instagram post from the player himself on Friday requesting a transfer, the news surrounding the player has only intensified.

3 reasons why Moisés Caicedo would be a great signing for Arsenal

So who is Moisés Caicedo, and why would Arsenal be willing to spend north of £60m for the player?

1.  Age and position profile

Caicedo just turned 21 years old and has proven himself to be a very exciting prospect at the number six position. It’s no mystery as to why Brighton are fighting off interest to keep him.

Defensive midfielders often peak later in their careers as it’s a very tough role to play, especially in a team like Arsenal, where a lot is required. We’ve seen the drop off in quality from Thomas Partey to Sambi Lokonga because there is just so much required for a player to do. Caicedo is playing that role at 21 in the Premier League. He’s played in a double pivot at Brighton but has also taken the role on himself.

He has shown to be able to take on the defensive responsibilities of the role head-on, leading the Premier League in 50/50 duels won. He’s no slack of passing duties as well, attempting 60.6 passes per 90, according to FBRef.

Continued on the next slide…

2. Versatility

Caicedo has played a lot of different roles in his career so far, proving his competence as both a number six and eight.

He’s an all-around player and has proven that at the highest level. As a result, Caicedo could provide cover for both Granit Xhaka and Partey down the stretch. His arrival would allow supporters to breathe a little easier knowing the drop off in quality between starter and reserve isn’t so stark.

Continued on the next slide…

3. A needed profile

With Mohamed Elneny’s injury and Lokonga struggling to prove that he can take on a significant amount of time as a six for Arsenal, Caicedo is exactly what Arsenal need.

He’s a player that can play in the Premier League as a number 6 – a position where Arsenal lack quality depth. Arsenal need to be planning for the worst-case scenario and covering for an injury at a key position is a must, as well as planning for the future with a talented young player.

If the deal gets done, Arsenal will have to overpay. Brighton, rightfully, do not want to sell a key player halfway through the season, so he will not be cheap if Arsenal strike an agreement with the stubborn Seagulls.