How Chelsea's record Moises Caicedo transfer helps Arsenal

James Shearman

• Updated: 22 Aug 2023 15:16 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea's £115 million British record signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton could help London rivals Arsenal.

That is because Brighton are now targeting Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga in their search for a replacement, according to Sky Sports News.

The Seagulls had been in talks with Lille over 19-year-old Carlos Baleba but negotiations have not progressed.

READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Now, Roberto De Zerbi's side have turned their attentions to Lokonga, who is surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium.

The Belgian was previously close to joining newly-promoted Burnley on loan but there are no longer talks over that potential deal.

Instead, he could find himself playing at the Amex Stadium this season, while Arsenal could fine themselves upwards of £20m richer.

Chelsea will be even more desperate for Caicedo to develop into a world-class midfielder should Arsenal benefit from the deal.

Chelsea’s XI with Caicedo

Kepa Arrizabalaga was expecting to be Chelsea's number one under Mauricio Pochettino but he joined Real Madrid on loan to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois, meaning Robert Sanchez – another summer arrival from Brighton – will be the man in goal for the season.

Reece James will play at right-back when he is fit, otherwise it will be Frenchman Malo Gusto. The same can be said for Ben Chilwell on the left, who will be first-choice but has Marc Cucurella as his understudy.

Wesley Fofana’s ACL injury has ruled him out until 2024 and therefore Thiago Silva will likely be the one turned to on the right of the centre-back pairing, with Levi Colwill on the left.

Caicedo will partner Enzo, with that pair providing a nice balance of defensive discipline, press-resistance and passing range.

Christopher Nkunku could be used as a central striker by Pochettino, but he looks perfectly suited to be deployed in a similar role to the one Dele performed at Spurs, although he is out until January after picking up an injury in pre-season.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling is the most likely wing combination, although Noni Madueke will see considerable minutes on the right, while summer signing Nicolas Jackson will lead the line.