The race to land Brighton star Moises Caicedo is heating up this summer as reports claim that the midfielder has agreed personal terms with a club ahead of the opening of the window. The Ecuador international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Seagulls, with Arsenal and Chelsea amongst those interested.
The past season has been a huge one for the 21-year-old as his performances helped guide his side to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, earning Europa League football for the next campaign. A move back in January seemed likely though, putting out a statement outlining his desire to move on.
That didn't come though, meaning this summer is the moment where a transfer seems much more likely, as hinted by his manager Roberto De Zerbi. "I think it can be the last game for Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo at Brighton," the Italian boss said at the end of the season.
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"I am really sorry because they are two great players but the policy of Brighton is like this. It is right that they can leave, to play at higher level." Both Chelsea and Arsenal are looking to bolster their midfield ranks in the coming weeks, with both teams hopeful of boosting their squads.
Chelsea are expected to push for a move to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton in the upcoming summer transfer window, football.london understands. That's on top of the belief that the side can land Manuel Ugarte from Sporting CP, while Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount edge closer to an exit.
For Arsenal, football.london understands that Declan Rice is a priority for this summer, however the move for Caicedo may have been accelerated. That's because Ecuadorian media outlet Teradeportes reports that the midfielder prefers a move to the Gunners, due to Champions League qualification, while personal terms are said to be agreed.
It remains to be seen whether the Blues will be able to do the same, while Brighton's valuation is still a mystery to most going into the summer window.
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