Arsenal are leading the race to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to FootballTransfers.com reporter Steve Kay.

The Seagulls are willing to sell the Ecuadorian international for around £75m and, while they could face competition from Chelsea and Liverpool, Kay says the Gunners have one key advantage: Champions League football:

🚨EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal close in on Moises Caicedo after learning Brighton’s asking price!

By @stevek9KS1TV ✍️ https://t.co/PU2BZCG4lL

— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) May 31, 2023

It is believed that Caicedo is keen to play in Europe’s premier competition next season and, with Mikel Arteta’s side the only one of the three interested clubs involved in the tournament, they will be the player’s preferred choice.

The 21-year-old publicly demanded to leave Brighton when Arsenal had two bids rejected by the Seagulls back in January, but he ended up staying at the Amex and signing a new contract. However, it appears a move could happen just six months down the line.

Can Arsenal sign both Caicedo and Declan Rice?

Multiple reports have suggested that the Gunners’ transfer budget is close to £200m so there is no reason why they can’t go after both Caicedo and the West Ham captain.

Of course, by recruiting the two midfielders, it would significantly hamper their ability to bring in reinforcements for other positions, so we shall have to wait and see how the club handle things.