Arsenal in 'pole position' to sign Moises Caicedo as Brighton replacement 'passes medical'

Arsenal are now in 'pole position' to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to reports.

The Gunners saw two bids rejected for Caicedo in January, with the second offer thought to be worth up to £70 million.

The Seagulls rejected all advances, insisting the 21-year-old was not for sale, despite the player attempting to force a move of his own accord.

Caicedo later penned a fresh contract keeping him at the Amex until 2027. However, that has not put Mikel Arteta off, who is expected to reignite his pursuit this summer.

And this time round, Arsenal will allegedly have a far better chance of landing the Ecuador international, with Roberto De Zerbi having already found his 'replacement'.

Brighton sign Caicedo 'replacement'

Brighton have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud, who looks to be on the brink of signing for the south coast club at the end of the season

Football Insider claim that 'Brighton are set to finalise a deal for Dahoud with a medical already completed'.

While the report states that Brighton view the 27-year-old as a 'natural replacement' for Caicedo.

In the meantime, Arsenal are keen to add at least two midfielders to their ranks after Granit Xhaka told Arteta he would leave the Emirates this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen thought to be favourites to sign him.

And in a boost to their transfer hopes, Caicedo is thought to want to play in the Champions League at his next club.

The Gunners have secured a spot in next season's competition for the first time in six years.

Chelsea are also said to be in the race, although their lack of Champions League football could be a determining factor in Caicedo's decision.

Nevertheless, Caicedo could be persuaded to stay with Brighton following an excellent campaign which has seen them rise to sixth in the Premier League table, needing just one more point to book their place in next season's Europa League.