Liverpool handed major transfer boost after rivals 'damage' their chances of signing summer target

Liverpool have been handed a major transfer boost after Arsenal “damaged” their chances of signing Moises Caicedo, according to a fresh report.

The Reds endured a frustrating winter window in which they only welcomed one new arrival, Cody Gakpo, who signed from PSV Eindhoven for an initial fee of £37million.

The Anfield club remain in dire need of midfield reinforcements, with first-choice stars Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson having underwhelmed this term. Meanwhile, their understudies Naby Keita and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain are set to depart in the summer upon the expiry of their contracts.

In turn, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with some of the world’s most sought-after midfielders, including Chelsea's record-breaking new signing Enzo Fernandez, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Brighton’s Caicedo.

Liverpool, who will hope that the summer window will be more fruitful, have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the latter player in particular.

Liverpool’s Caicedo boost

According to the Athletic, Liverpool’s rivals in the pursuit of Caicedo, Arsenal, have “damaged” their relationship with Brighton.

Indeed, the Premier League leaders saw two bids worth up to £70million for the 21-year-old rebuffed by Brighton in January.

Arsenal allegedly knew their opening offer of £60million would be rejected by the Seagulls, but the Gunners had hoped it would at least initiate a negotiation for the player.

However Mikel Arteta’s side “misjudged the situation”, as Brighton dismissed their offer in minutes and clarified that Caicedo was not for sale.

A day later a call is said to have taken place between Brighton’s owner and chairman Tony Bloom, and Arsenal board member Tim Lewis, in which Bloom reiterated that Brighton would not let the Ecuador international leave mid-season.

Yet, Arsenal again tested Brighton’s resolve with a bid of £65million plus £5million in potential add-ons. It was again, rejected.

The Athletic claimed Brighton were “perplexed and irritated” by Arsenal’s persistence and that the cordial relationship between the two clubs has been “damaged”.

Arsenal’s fractured relationship with Brighton could see Liverpool benefit.

Meanwhile, the Reds’ chances may have also been improved by Chelsea's British-record £107million signing of Fernandez.

The Blues turned their attention to Fernandez after seeing a £55million bid for Caicedo rejected last month.