Moises Caicedo Breaks Silence on Shocking Arsenal and Liverpool Transfer Collapses

Chelsea's central midfielder Moisés Caicedo has recently acknowledged that he came very close to joining Arsenal but chose to "hold out" for the Blues' offer after turning down Liverpool's proposal.

Caicedo found himself highly sought after during 2023. Throughout that year's January transfer period, the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion talent reportedly received several offers from Arsenal, with the second bid believed to reach approximately £70 million ($92.8 million). Brighton ultimately refused to budge, leading to a frustrated public statement from Caicedo's then-agent Manuel Sierra, who declared: "This represents a chance that might never come again."

Arsenal eventually turned their attention elsewhere, securing Declan Rice for £105 million that summer. Caicedo subsequently joined Chelsea for a package potentially worth £115 million during the same transfer period, despite significant pursuit from Liverpool.

Prior to Chelsea's encounter with the Gunners this Sunday, Caicedo discussed his near-transfer to north London. "I came very close," he told the Daily Mail, "but I'm here now and extremely content. The moment felt right."

Liverpool allegedly had their own £115 million offer accepted by Brighton, only for the player to decline. "I held out for Chelsea's approach," the lifelong Blues supporter explained. "People mocked my decision. They claimed I picked poorly, but sometimes adaptation to a major club requires patience. That's what I needed.

"I'm committed to giving my all for this organization because they believed in me. I selected Chelsea due to their aspirations. My goal is winning silverware—additional trophies with this team."

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp suggested that the Reds were "fortunate" not to acquire Caicedo in 2023, though the dynamic midfielder would be welcomed by most clubs today—despite his reluctance to embrace all the praise directed his way.

Caicedo: I'm Not the World's Premier Midfielder

Caicedo firmly rejected the notion that he ranks as the world's finest midfielder—a statement his coach Enzo Maresca and numerous others have reasonably supported. When pressed to identify a superior colleague, the modest Ecuadorian responded: "Countless players.

"I refuse to proclaim myself the greatest because that wouldn't be accurate. Personally, I strive to be my optimal self, understand? It's different declaring yourself world-class publicly versus privately.

"Numerous talented players occupy my role. I'm performing my utmost. However, I must demonstrate more because I sense greater potential. Through scoring, creating assists, I can feel it."

Rice arguably represents Caicedo's closest rival for this prestigious recognition. The Arsenal midfielder offered generous praise for his Chelsea equivalent before Sunday's match at Stamford Bridge, with the sentiment clearly reciprocated.

"It's an exciting battle between us and one I'll be ready for…" Declan Rice is full of praise for Caicedo, they'd be perfect together.

How many of the best teams would Rice get into? pic.twitter.com/ZbbytE6HV1

"Declan's quality is universally recognized," Caicedo enthused. "Our matchup will be fantastic. It's truly exciting, particularly special, and as he mentioned, we operate in different roles.

"People draw comparisons between us, but I'm delighted he's performing excellently. I love observing his play because of his exceptional ability. I want to compete against the world's finest defensive and offensive midfielders, and he's among them.

"I'm prepared. It's flattering that people compare us, though we're not adversaries. He aims for success. I'll compete fiercely. I'm ready. Everyone's prepared. I'm anticipating it eagerly."