Theo Walcott Expresses Regret Over Arsenal Missing Out on Chelsea’s Star

Theo Walcott regrets Arsenal missing out on Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea’s £100m signing, highlighting the midfielder’s versatility and defensive prowess.

Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has expressed his admiration for Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea’s £100 million signing, and expressed his wish that Arsenal had signed the talented midfielder ahead of Chelsea. Walcott, speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel, praised Caicedo’s versatility and defensive prowess, likening him to legendary players like Claude Makélélé and N’Golo Kanté.

‘For me, Claude Makelele is one of the best midfield players in that position that’s ever lived,’

‘A bit before [N’Golo] Kante. Kante took Makelele’s throne to some extent. But he [Moises Caicedo] is as close as you’re going to get to the modern era of that position. He can fill the right-back position as well.

‘You talk about the price tag, but it doesn’t faze him. It can take a little time to adapt to a new club but he’s an absolute rock.

According to Walcott, Caicedo’s ability to protect the backline and facilitate creativity in attack would have been an invaluable asset to Arsenal, especially as the club continues to build a competitive squad under Mikel Arteta.

Caicedo, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023, initially faced challenges adapting to his new club. However, he has since emerged as one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers, showcasing his ability to dominate the midfield and support his teammates effectively. Walcott praised Caicedo’s role in unlocking the potential of Chelsea’s rising talents, such as Cole Palmer, while lamenting Arsenal’s missed opportunity to add such a transformative player to their roster.