The transfer fate of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo appears to be intertwined this summer as they look set to leave West Ham and Brighton respectively. The former looks more set for a move to Arsenal in the coming weeks of the window, despite Chelsea's long-term admiration.
football.london understands that the Gunners view Rice as a top priority in the transfer market, but won't be drawn into a bidding war. The north London club made their opening gambit for the 24-year-old, offering an £80million package - combined of £70million in guaranteed fees and £10million in add-ons - that was turned down.
Arsenal are expected to be back with an offer soon, though recent reports have sparked the possibility of a Chelsea hijack in the weeks to come. Aside from the England international, there's also been plenty of links with a switch for both clubs with Brighton star Caicedo.
The 21-year-old was the subject of interest in January, but the Seagulls were determined to keep hold of the midfielder and signed him on a long-term contract. Despite that new deal, an exit seems likely this summer, with manager Roberto De Zerbi claiming the youngster is set to leave.
Arsenal were heavily linked, but a recent report claims that they have pulled out of the race, while Chelsea are the team left in the picture. football.london understands that the Blues are confident they can strike a deal with Brighton to land the Ecuador international.
The fee that could cost remains a mystery though as a common valuation being discussed is £70million-to-80million within most reports. However, that may adjust further as TalkSPORT claims that Brighton hold Caicedo in the same estimation as Rice and are hopeful of a similar fee.
With the West Ham midfielder expected to fetch a fee worth upwards of £100million, it may shift the perspective of how much the Brighton star is available for this summer. It remains to be seen whether the Blues will continue in their pursuit as a result or not, but it shows yet again that the future of Rice and Caicedo is linked for this window.
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