Arsenal are “preparing to lodge” a £75m bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to journalist Chris Wheatley.

Writing for London World, along with co-writer Charlie Haffenden, the reporter claims that the Gunners are looking to make a similar offer to the one they made in January for the Ecuadorian international.

Brighton were not open to bids for Caicedo in the last transfer window, despite the player trying to force through a move to the Emirates after speaking out on social media.

The 21-year-old ultimately ended up signing a contract extension with the Seagulls, but only on the proviso that he would be allowed to leave for a reasonable fee at the end of the season.

Arsenal are hoping Brighton will now allow Caicedo to leave

With Caicedo having been promised by his club that they will listen to offers for him this summer, the Gunners are seemingly confident of getting a deal done.

Whether the Seagulls will accept the £75m that they will put on the table, though, it remains to be seen.

There is plenty of competition for Caicedo’s signature

One major complication for Arsenal is that there are now more clubs pursuing the Ecuadorian’s services.

Chelsea have had a longstanding interest in Caicedo and they are expected to make their own bid for the player if Mikel Arteta’s side do formalise their interest.

Manchester United and Liverpool have also been mentioned as potential suitors over the past week, but there are doubts over whether either club would be willing to pay the sort of fee that Brighton is demanding.

It could be a very interesting next few days for Arsenal fans, with the club also set to table a sizeable offer for West Ham captain Declan Rice. If the London club are serious about buying both the Hammers star and Caicedo, it could cost them close to £200m.