Arsenal turning blind eye to no-brainer swap deal that would devastate Chelsea

Mikel Arteta reviews Arsenal's 5-0 win against the MLS All-Stars

Arsenal sporting director Edu could be about to turn his nose up at a golden swap deal opportunity involving Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. Back in January, the Chelsea target was also pursued by the Gunners, who would have the perfect trick up their sleeve if they decide to reignite their interest this summer.

Arsenal and Chelsea finished 10 places apart in last season’s Premier League table. A rejuvenated Blues side, led by new boss Mauricio Pochettino, are expected to be a lot closer this coming campaign.

Regardless, the Gunners would normally need no second invitation to one-up their cross-city rivals. And Edu could do just that by pouncing for highly-rated Brighton midfielder Caicedo over the coming weeks.

Chelsea are reportedly preparing an £80million bid for the Ecuadorian, who was the subject of a big-money offer from Arsenal over the winter.

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Mikel Arteta’s side could make speedy progress if they entered negotiations as they have something Brighton want. More specifically, the Gunners are looking to auction off sought-after striker Folarin Balogun.

According to The Independent, the Seagulls are ‘interested’ in the 22-year-old, who scored a remarkable 21 Ligue 1 goals last season on loan at Reims.

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Offering Balogun in part exchange for Caicedo could therefore catch the eye of Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, but Edu appears in no mood to do so. Instead, the Gunners youngster is expected to take his talents abroad, with Inter Milan believed to be preparing a £34m offer.

Snubbing the opportunity to mount a charge for Caicedo is even more perplexing given that Arsenal are hoping to sign another midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.

Southampton star Romeo Lavia is among those on Arteta’s hit list. Although the Belgian could be attainable for a considerably lower fee, he can’t match Caicedo’s achievements at Premier League level.

Brighton’s precocious 21-year-old helped his side to a mesmerising sixth-place finish last campaign. As if that wouldn’t be reason enough for Arsenal to strike, devastating Chelsea in the process would be an extra incentive for Edu if he opts to try and hijack the deal.

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