Emmanuel Petit, a name synonymous with Arsenal’s glory days, recently revealed two players he desperately wanted to bring to the Emirates Stadium – Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister. However, both dynamic midfielders ultimately chose different paths, joining Chelsea and Liverpool respectively in 2023.
Caicedo has quickly become a pivotal figure at Chelsea, already contributing to significant silverware. His impact was instrumental in the Blues’ triumphs in the Club World Cup and the Conference League in 2025, showcasing his growing influence on the pitch.
Mac Allister’s journey since arriving at Anfield has been equally impressive. He’s already tasted Premier League glory with Liverpool, adding a Carabao Cup to his collection, and has consistently delivered strong performances over 111 appearances.
Petit openly admits his desire to have seen both players donning Arsenal’s colors during their time at Brighton. He envisioned a powerful midfield partnership that could have propelled the Gunners to new heights.
“When Caicedo was at Brighton, I wanted Arsenal to sign him and Mac Allister together,” Petit stated. He now observes with a degree of admiration as both players flourish, recognizing their ascent to the Premier League’s elite.
Petit believes Caicedo possesses the potential to emulate Chelsea legends like N’Golo Kante and Claude Makelele. He acknowledges the weight of expectation that came with Caicedo’s substantial transfer fee, but notes the player is now delivering on that promise.
To truly cement his legacy, Petit argues, Caicedo needs to lead Chelsea to Premier League titles and consistently perform on the Champions League stage. The early successes in the Conference League and Club World Cup are a positive start, but fall short of the ultimate prizes.
The debate surrounding the Premier League’s best midfielder rages on, with Declan Rice frequently mentioned alongside Caicedo. However, some observers, like Jody Morris, believe both are still striving to reach the level of consistency and impact demonstrated by Manchester City’s Rodri.
Petit’s assessment highlights the competitive landscape of the Premier League and the high standards required to achieve true midfield dominance. He clearly sees in Caicedo and Mac Allister the qualities needed to become iconic figures in the game.
