Robert Pires urges Arsenal to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo this summer

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has urged his former club to take advantage of Mikel Arteta's interest in Moises Caicedo and sign the Brighton star this summer.

The Gunners are yet to complete their first piece of transfer business in what is expected to be a busy summer, although they have been linked with signing a number of midfielders.

Chief amongst them is West Ham captain Declan Rice, who is still celebrating winning the Europa Conference League with the Hammers in Prague last week.

Although the 24-year-old refused to rule out a stay at the London Stadium after the 2-1 win over Fiorentina, Hammers chairman David Sullivan told talkSPORT that their star man would indeed be departing the club.

And German outlet Ran claim that, via a source close to Sullivan, that Rice informed the West Ham chief that he would only leave for Arsenal if he did move away from his current club. That report arose from Bayern Munich's interest in the player.

As well as Rice, however, the Gunners do have the funds to attract other targets. With the club reportedly planning a £90 million bid for the midfielder, as per the Daily Mail, they are said to have a further £90 million available as part of their summer budget.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brighton's Caicedo, with Arteta's belief that he can play in numerous roles for his side said to be a key reason behind the interest.

The Ecuadorian midfielder appears likely to leave the Amex Stadium - and one Arsenal legend has urged his side to snap up the 21-year-old amid interest from Chelsea.

Pires on Caicedo

Speaking in an interview with El Canal de Futbol, Pires sent a message to his former team-mate Edu, who is currently the club's sporting director, and other Gunners chiefs over Caicedo.

He explained (quotes via Eduardo Hagn): "I hope he signs for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta wants him, he's got all the tools needed to succeed at Arsenal.

"The club are willing to pay big money for him, and that's testament to his ability."

Caicedo was one of the top midfielders in the Premier League last season, playing 37 games in the league as he filled the void left by Yves Bissouma's departure to Tottenham.

Arsenal placed two bids for the Ecuador international in January, but both offers were rejected by Brighton. He later signed a new contract - although manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted at the end of the season that he was likely to leave this summer.