Arsenal have a secret weapon in their Caicedo negotiations with Brighton, it's a huge advantage

Arsenal have an advantage over Chelsea in their negotiations with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

The Gunners, who are in the market for a new midfielder, saw a £60million bid for Caicedo rejected on Friday.

Earlier in the week Brighton also rebuffed a £55million bid from Chelsea with the Seagulls reportedly holding out for an eye-watering £100million fee.

Talks between Arsenal and Brighton are reportedly continuing, however, and it is expected Arsenal will return with another offer for Caicedo before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

It remains to be seen whether the 21-year-old, who recently changed agents, will try to force his way out of the club in the next four days.

Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi told a news conference on Friday that the midfielder was "relaxed" and "focused only on Brighton."

The Italian said: "I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because for my idea/my opinion, that's the best solution for him and for us."

Arsenal’s secret weapon

The good relationship between Arsenal’s director of football operations, Richard Garlick, and senior figures at Brighton could help in negotiations between the two clubs.

Indeed, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber reportedly had regular dealings with Garlick during the latter’s days as Premier League director of football in 2018, as per the Athletic.

Arsenal fans will hope that Garlick and Barber’s good working relationship could help smoothen negotiations in the coming days.

Journalist Freddie Paxton tweeted: “Richard Garlick has a really strong relationship with key decision makers at Brighton, which I’m sure Arsenal hope will make things smoother in negotiations.

“Obviously Chelsea have done big business with them too, but I feel Arsenal have good dialogue there.”

Arsenal are at the summit of the Premier League, some five points clear of their nearest challengers Manchester City with a game in hand.

They have already done business with Brighton this window, signing wantaway attacker Leandro Trossard in a deal worth up to £27million. Mikel Arteta’s side have also signed Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior to consolidate their title push.