Moises Caicedo reckons destiny had a hand in proceedings when looking back at his failed transfer to Arsenal in January 2023. The Gunners saw their bid for Caicedo rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion, with Liverpool also keen on striking a deal.
Arsenal submitted an offer for the Ecuador international, but Brighton swiftly rebuffed the approach. This occurred whilst Mikel Arteta was seeking midfield reinforcements amid concerns over Mohamed Elneny's fitness.
However, Brighton has consistently shown it won't accept less than its valuation, as demonstrated with Marc Cucurella and Ben White. Just months following Arsenal's bid, Caicedo secured a transfer to Chelsea.
Discussing how near he came to arriving at the Emirates Stadium with the Daily Mail, Caicedo remarked: "Everything happens for a reason.
"I almost did it but now I'm here and I'm so happy. The timing was good. I waited until Chelsea came for me. People laughed. They said I chose the wrong place, but sometimes you need time to adapt to a big team. I needed that.
"I want to give everything to this club because they didn't doubt me. I chose Chelsea because they have ambitions. I want to win trophies – more trophies with this club."
Liverpool also attempted to secure the 24 year old, reaching an deal with Brighton, but the move collapsed after Caicedo made his desire to join Chelsea abundantly clear.
He has settled quickly into the squad, playing regularly for Enzo Maresca's side on multiple occasions this season. And Caicedo is also brimming with confidence ahead of Sunday's clash against Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca looks on
Enzo Maresca has seen inspired performances from Moises Caicedo (Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Arteta's side are currently six points clear at the summit of the Premier League table, fuelling belief amongst many that they could finally secure the trophy that has eluded them for 21 years.
When asked if Chelsea could bring them back down to earth, the midfielder replied: "Why not? They are doing really well, but we haven't faced them yet."
It comes as Declan Rice recently disclosed that he voted for Caicedo in his PFA Team of the Year submission. Speaking on CBS Sports, the Arsenal midfielder explained: "I have a lot of respect for Moises Caicedo.
"I voted him last year in my PFA Team of the Year. I thought he was outstanding. There's so many comparisons, but we're playing different positions."
Sunday should witness a thrilling encounter between the two central midfielders, with the outcome of Arsenal's match against Chelsea potentially being determined by their duel in the engine room.