Arsenal “are not in active negotiations” for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo with Chelsea set to “make an official bid”, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners made two bids for the Ecuador international in the winter transfer window with Caicedo eventually staying at Brighton and signing a new contract.
He is now expected to leave this summer with reports suggesting that Arsenal are negotiating a potential transfer, despite their ongoing interest in West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice.
A report last week insisted that Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Caicedo ahead of a potential £80m move and Romano has rejected rumours that Arsenal are currently in talks with Brighton.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Chelsea will also bid again for Moises Caicedo. The idea is to make an official bid to Brighton, with personal terms very close with the player. Discussions are ongoing on the player side, but for sure they will also open negotiations with Brighton soon.
“How much Chelsea will bid or when this bid will happen is hard to predict for sure. However, Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher are NOT part of the conversation as of now. Despite reports, Arsenal are not in active negotiations for Caicedo as of now – they like the player, but they are not working on this deal at the moment.”
And Romano has given updates on three other possible Arsenal transfers with the Italian journalist bringing news on Joao Cancelo, Sacha Boey and Folarin Bologun.
READ MORE: Eberechi Eze to Arsenal among ex-academy fixes for Premier League clubs this summer
Romano added: “In other Arsenal news, I’m aware that some fans are asking me why it’s gone a bit quiet on the Joao Cancelo story. All I can say for the time being is that Cancelo is one of the players appreciated by Arsenal, and there have been talks between the club and the player’s agent, but Barcelona are the favourites.
“I’m also not aware of anything concrete with Arsenal and Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey, just rumours for the time being. We’ll see if Arsenal look to strengthen in that position, but for now the priority is Timber, who is versatile enough to fill in on the right if needed.
“Folarin Balogun has also been vocal about his future, insisting he doesn’t want to go out on loan again. I understand Arsenal have a meeting scheduled with his agent in the next few days. Their relationship is very good. In this meeting they will discuss price tag and more, but nothing will happen this week in terms of a transfer. The plan for now is for Arsenal and Balogun to wait for the strikers domino to start.
“I can also say there is nothing concrete with Juventus at this stage, despite recent links, but there are many clubs showing an interest across Europe, from France, Italy and of course the Premier League.”
