Brighton star Moises Caicedo 'agrees personal terms with Arsenal' as Chelsea transfer claim made

Brighton star Moises Caicedo has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, according to a new report - but Chelsea remain in the race to sign him this summer.

The 21-year-old Ecuador international starred in his first full Premier League campaign, under both Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi.

Despite only eight matches of Premier League experience prior to the season, he was entrusted by Potter to fill the central midfield void created by Yves Bissouma's move to Tottenham.

Caicedo - who had long been regarded as one of the top wonderkids from South America - adapted seamlessly, playing in all bar one of Brighton's league fixtures as they finished in a club-record sixth position.

He ranked amongst the top five midfielders in the Premier League for average tackles per game (2.7) and pass accuracy (88.8 per cent), as per WhoScored.

His performances were all the more impressive given the intense transfer speculation surrounding the Seagulls star in January.

Arsenal and Chelsea both saw offers rejected, with the Gunners seeing two separate proposals turned down by Brighton towards the end of the window.

He signed a new contract with Brighton after the window shut, but De Zerbi stated after the Seagulls' final game of the season last month (via BBC Sport) that Caicedo was likely to leave this summer.

Now, there has been a new update on the Ecuador midfielder's future.

Caicedo 'agrees personal terms'

According to Ecuadorian outlet Teradeportes (via Daily Mirror), Caicedo has now agreed personal terms with Arsenal, partially as a result of the north London club qualifying for next season's Champions League.

It is claimed that the Gunners now lead the race for the 21-year-old's signature, which will come as a boost to manager Mikel Arteta as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

However, the report adds that Chelsea remain in the race, with new boss Mauricio Pochettino an admirer of the player. It is suggested that the Blues could offer Caicedo a higher salary, although it is unclear whether, given that Chelsea will not play European football next season, that will be enough to convince the midfielder to join.

Furthermore, there has been the claim that Chelsea could attempt to include centre-back Levi Colwill in a part-exchange deal with Brighton in an attempt to drive down a fee for Caicedo that is said to stand at around £75 million.

Topics: Brighton And Hove Albion, Moises Caicedo, Arsenal, Chelsea, Premier League, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.