Chelsea to be snubbed as Arsenal bid ‘changed things’ for Caicedo, Gooners could have payback for Mudryk hijack

Chelsea are set to be snubbed by Moises Caicedo, who has been enticed by the prospect of playing a part in Arsenal’s title challenge, according to a journalist.

Brighton have reportedly told the midfielder to stay away from training until after Tuesday’s transfer deadline in response to the player’s plea to leave the club.

In a post on Instagram Caicedo expressed his desire to leave the Seagulls, insisting he would be "proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton".

Arsenal saw a £60million bid rejected for the Ecuador international on Friday, days after Chelsea had their own £55million offer rebuffed.

According to Sky Sports, the Seagulls have made it clear that Caicedo will not be leaving in this window and is not for sale.

While the club appreciate his head has been turned, they have given him a few days away to regain focus for the remainder of the season.

Caicedo wants Arsenal over Chelsea

According to journalist Charlie Haffenden, Caicedo wants to move to Arsenal and play a part in the club’s title challenge.

While the Ecuador star was said to initially be interested in a move to tenth-place Chelsea, he was happy to wait until the summer before making the switch.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side are currently top of the Premier League, five points clear of their nearest challengers Manchester City with a game in hand.

Haffenden, who reports for the Premier League and talkSPORT, claimed: “I’m told Moises Caicedo was interested in Chelsea but was fine waiting until the summer.

“Arsenal’s bid has changed things, however. Thought of an immediate title race has given an urgent desire to leave.

“Brighton won’t be bullied into anything, regardless.”

Arsenal are widely reported to be readying a second, improved bid for the midfielder.

If accepted the Gunners would be pipping Chelsea to signing, just weeks after the Blues hijacked Arteta’s No.1 target Mykhailo Mudryk.