Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo is desperate to force through a move to either Arsenal or Chelsea before next week’s transfer deadline.
Sportsmail understands Caicedo is prepared to submit a transfer request to secure his dream move to London after Arsenal submitted a formal offer for him.
It remains to be seen whether he is in the right frame of mind to face Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Arsenal have made a £60million offer for the 21-year. The offer will not be accepted by Brighton.
The Gunners are set to return with an improved offer. A bid of around £80million may tempt Brighton, who sold Leandro Trossard to Arsenal last week, into selling Caicedo.
The Blues stole Mykhailo Mudryk from under Arsenal’s noses earlier this month – it remains to be seen whether Chelsea hijack another of Arsenal’s attempted transfers.
Arsenal are keen to sign a new midfielder to ensure their title push isn’t derailed, with the Gunners lacking strength in depth in that position.
Declan Rice is emerging as one of their top summer targets, with the 24-year-old widely-expected to leave West Ham at the end of the season – but Arsenal are keen to strengthen now.
The Gunners have significant funds available in the transfer market, as demonstrated by their failed pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk – who moved to Chelsea.
When speaking earlier this week, Caicedo had insisted he was only concentrating on playing for De Zerbi’s side and continuing their impressive season which sees them in sixth place.
He said: ‘I am focused on Brighton. I am here, I’m playing every day. Things from outside don’t trouble me, nor does it take that focus away, because I’m focused only on here.
‘I handle [the speculation] well. You hear rumours here and there, but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club that opened the doors for me to be playing every week.’
Caicedo joined the Seagulls from Independiente del Valle in Ecuador back in 2021.
He has since gone on to make 31 appearances for the club and has established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League.
Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand on Man City – while they face their title rivals in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night.
