Manchester United is set to approach Brighton for Moises Caicedo, following initial contact made earlier this week. Caicedo has been on United’s radar, along with Chelsea’s Mason Mount. Arsenal had a £70 million offer rejected by Brighton in January, but Caicedo has continued to attract interest from several clubs, with United and Chelsea being the most keen.
United’s £55 million offer for Mount remains on the table, and there are indications that both United and Chelsea may meet later this week to discuss the terms and structure of a potential deal. United is actively searching for a central midfielder and has multiple targets in mind.
According to Sky Sports, United is expected to make a formal approach for Caicedo, who is valued at £80 million. This move comes as United faces difficulties in their pursuit of Mason Mount and Declan Rice. United boss Erik ten Hag has expressed a desire to strengthen the midfield options, and Caicedo has caught his attention.
While Chelsea had a £60 million bid for Caicedo turned down, they have long been considered favorites to sign the 21-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder. Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi had previously indicated his willingness to let Caicedo go if a significant offer from a top club was made, after rejecting bids in January and securing Caicedo to a new contract.
It is unlikely that Manchester United will sign both Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo, but they are determined to secure a deal for one midfielder during this transfer window. United has already made a £55 million bid for Mount, who has one year remaining on his contract with Chelsea and is not expected to sign a new deal.
United believes their valuation of Mount is fair, considering his contractual situation and desire to join Old Trafford. However, Chelsea has stated that they will only accept an offer of £58 million plus an additional £7 million in add-ons. This situation could potentially open the door for United to pursue Caicedo instead.
Caicedo’s arrival would bolster Manchester United’s defensive solidity and structure as they return to the Champions League. He is expected to partner with Casemiro in a double pivot in midfield. According to Opta, Caicedo outperformed United’s Christian Eriksen last season in key metrics such as successful passes, tackles, interceptions, possessions won, and chances created from open play per 90 minutes.
If Caicedo joins United, it could provide an opportunity for Christian Eriksen to play in a more advanced role, strengthening United’s attacking options alongside Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, potentially supporting a new striker. United’s interest in Declan Rice has diminished following Arsenal’s £105 million offer for the West Ham and England star, mainly due to their £120 million transfer budget for the summer.