Arsenal Transfers: Is ‘Riceido’ dream off the cards?

Buzz surrounding the potential ‘Riceido’/’Raicedo’ (however you want to dress it up) double act arriving at the Emirates seems to have dampened with Chelsea leading the race to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Arsenal attempted to make a move for the Ecuadorian international in January and reportedly offered the Seagulls £70m for his services. Despite the player’s wish to depart the Amex, Brighton held firm and refused to sell him at that price.

The Gunners pivoted to a far cheaper alternative in Jorginho, who proved to be a rather astute signing, but Caicedo, given his potential as an inverted full-back, could’ve been a transformative addition.

Nevertheless, Arsenal were expected to be back in for Caicedo this summer, with some dreaming that both the Brighton man and Declan Rice would be strutting their stuff on the carpet next season and beyond. However, that is seemingly no longer a possibility.

Is ‘Riceido’ dream off the cards?

While Arsenal’s opening bid for Rice was rejected by West Ham, the Gunners reportedly sent a second bid on Thursday night and are determined to land their man despite Man City’s apparent increased interest in the Hammers skipper.

Only the most optimistic of Gooners seriously believed signing ‘Riceido’ was feasible this summer, and The Times (via Sky Sports) write that Arsenal have withdrawn their interest in Caicedo to focus on a move for Rice. Signing both could’ve cost the Gunners close to £200m. That’s just not possible with several positions in need of reinforcement this summer.

Talks over a deal for Kai Havertz are said to be progressing, and Arsenal need to add superior depth in defence if they’re to once again challenge in 2023/24.

With the Gunners prioritising Rice, Chelsea have taken pole position in the Caicedo sweepstakes with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Blues are “advancing” on the deal.

While missing out on Caicedo isn’t a disaster, it puts added pressure on Edu Gaspar to secure Rice’s signature. Arsenal remain the favourites on that front and there’s optimism a deal can be struck, but City’s interest undoubtedly has some concerned at the club.

If Rice isn’t a Gooner come the end of the summer, it’s fair to say that the fanbase won’t be best too pleased.