21-year-old PL star more likely to join Arsenal than Newcastle now

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Newcastle United are looking for a midfielder who can play the number six role, and Moises Caicedo looks like the perfect candidate.

The Brighton youngster has just enjoyed a spectacular first full season in the Premier League, helping the Seagulls qualify for the Europa League. It has led to speculation over a move away, with Newcastle interested in his signature.

He has been linked with the Magpies before, with Eddie Howe a big fan of the Ecuadorian. So is Dan Ashworth, who previously tipped Caicedo to become a ‘really good player’.

That is proving to be the case, which is why the Premier League’s top clubs are trying to sign the 21-year-old. However, he won’t come cheap. Brighton reportedly want £80million to sell him this summer.

That is an incredible fee, which will likely rule Newcastle out of the race to sign him.

Moises Caicedo more likely to sign for Arsenal than Newcastle

According to the Northern Echo, it is unlikely that Newcastle go anywhere near Brighton’s asking price for Caicedo, which would make him the Magpies’ most expensive signing ever. That honour currently belongs to Alexander Isak, who cost £63million last summer.

The report adds while Newcastle are interested in the South American, he is currently more likely to join Arsenal.

That would be a blow, as the Gunners are also leading the race to sign another Newcastle target in Declan Rice. He would be a dream addition to Howe’s side, but a switch to the Emirates appears to be much more probable at the moment.

It is clear that Howe wants to sign a defensive midfielder this summer. He needs someone who can play that number six role, freeing up Bruno Guimaraes to operate higher up the pitch. The Brazilian was excellent last season, but can be even more effective in a more advanced role.

Both Caicedo and Rice would be excellent options for that role, but it does not look like either will arrive at St James’ Park. Instead, Newcastle will have to go back to the drawing board and pick out another midfielder from what is likely a lengthy list of summer targets.