Transfer Talk: Gunners set to give Chelsea the Blues in Caicedo race

Arsenal have moved ahead of London rivals Chelsea in the race for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Caicedo, 21, is expected to be hot property in the summer transfer window after helping the Seagulls secure European qualification for next season.

The Premier League star has been at the heart of Roberto De Zerbi's engine room but the Italian boss is resigned to losing the Ecuadorian.

The Gunners were plotting a move for the youngster last January but could not finalise a deal before Caicedo signed a new contract that runs until 2027.

Football Insider report Chelsea are also in the hunt for a central midfielder but will have to compete with Emirates chiefs who are willing to break the bank to strengthen Mikel Arteta's squad.

The North Londoners reportedly tabled a £70million bid for the 30-cap international in the winter window, though that was swiftly rejected as Brighton were keen to finish the campaign at full strength.

But now the South Coast side are said to be willing to listen to offers around the same mark and will not stand in Caicedo's way if he wishes to move on.

Todd Boehly's Blues would like to bring the South American to Stamford Bridge but their excessive spending in the last year makes it unlikely that they will enter a bidding war with the Gunners.

In other news

ESPN believe Chelsea are desperate to sign a new striker in the summer and have identified Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic as a potential target.

Crystal Palace are keen on signing Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma, who is out of contract at the end of the season, according to The Sun.

Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, say Football Transfers.