Arteta breaks silence on failed Caicedo transfer as midfielder's agent makes "crazy" claim

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has broken his silence on the club's failed attempt to sign Moises Caicedo in the January transfer window.

Arsenal had two bids rejected by Brighton for the Ecuadorian midfielder, including an offer worth up to £70m.

Brighton refused to sell Caicedo despite the midfielder publishing an open letter, urging them to allow him to move clubs.

Arsenal eventually accepted that a January move was impossible for Caicedo and instead turned their attention to Jorginho, signing the Italy international in a £12m transfer from Chelsea on deadline day.

Arteta has now spoken about Arsenal's late move for Jorginho and the failed attempt to sign Caicedo.

"We knew that in this market you have to adapt and be flexible and ready for inconvenience," said Arteta at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Goodison Park.

Arsenal were desperate a midfielder in January following an injury to Mohamed Elneny, who is facing an extended period on the sidelines after knee surgery.

Arteta says he is delighted to have signed a leader in Jorginho after unexpectedly losing Elneny.

"We had a big one with Mo and we needed a player in that position," he added.

"(Jorginho's) a great character who’ll bring leadership and quality in that position."

Caicedo's agent makes 'crazy' Arsenal claim

Caicedo's agent, Manuel Sierra, says the midfielder was determined to move in January and has suggested will seek a similar transfer when the summer window opens.

"The offers were received, you see what is on the table and Moises says that he wants to go forward, that it is the dream of his whole life," said Sierra.

"That it is an opportunity that may not be repeated.

"The boy wanted to leave, the reality is that Arsenal were going crazy with him, he was the key piece for them to be champion.

"He wanted to go out, even though he sadly goes to training now, he is strong and we have time to prepare everything for the summer."

Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Moises Caicedo, Football, Premier League, Transfers

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan