Liverpool handed major transfer boost after rivals ‘damage’ their chances of signing summer target

Liverpool handed major transfer boost after rivals ‘damage’ their chances of signing summer target

Liverpool have been handed a major transfer boost after Arsenal “damaged” their chances of signing Moises Caicedo, according to a fresh report.

The Reds had a disappointing winter transfer window in which they only managed to sign one new player, Cody Gakpo, from PSV Eindhoven for a reported £37 million.

Due to the disappointing performances of first-choice talents Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, and Jordan Henderson this season, the Anfield club is still in desperate need of midfield reinforcements.

Moses Caicedo (Getty Images)

Their assistants Naby Keita and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain are scheduled to leave in the summer when their contracts expire.

In response, some of the most sought-after midfielders in the world, such as Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea, Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund, and Caicedo of Brighton, have been linked to Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Liverpool has been given a boost in their pursuit of the latter, and will likely hope that the summer transfer window will be more successful.

Liverpool’s Caicedo boost

According to the Athletic, Liverpool’s rivals in the pursuit of Caicedo, Arsenal, have “damaged” their relationship with Brighton.

Indeed, the Premier League leaders saw two bids worth up to £70million for the 21-year-old rebuffed by Brighton in January.

Arsenal allegedly knew their opening offer of £60million would be rejected by the Seagulls, but the Gunners had hoped it would at least initiate a negotiation for the player.

However Mikel Arteta’s side “misjudged the situation”, as Brighton dismissed their offer in minutes and clarified that Caicedo was not for sale.

A day later a call is said to have taken place between Brighton’s owner and chairman Tony Bloom, and Arsenal board member Tim Lewis, in which Bloom reiterated that Brighton would not let the Ecuador international leave mid-season.

Yet, Arsenal again tested Brighton’s resolve with a bid of £65million plus £5million in potential add-ons. It was again, rejected.

The Athletic claimed Brighton were “perplexed and irritated” by Arsenal’s persistence and that the cordial relationship between the two clubs has been “damaged”.

Liverpool might gain from the strained connection between Brighton and Arsenal.

The Reds’ chances may have also enhanced as a result of Chelsea’s acquisition of Fernandez for a British record £107 million.

The Blues focused on Fernandez after their £55 million bid for Caicedo was denied down last month.

In other news, Reds duo may cost Liverpool Champions League qualification and big-money Jude Bellingham deal