Arsenal are 'exploring' a deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Gunners eye new midfielder...
The Gunners are thought to want a new midfielder as manager Mikel Arteta seeks to reinforce his options in front of the back four.
The Premier League title chasers have been linked with summer moves for names like West Ham star Declan Rice, who is thought to be keen on joining them, but additions this month also haven't been ruled out.
Caicedo, who has been attracting real interest from Chelsea for most of this month, is also admired by Arsenal as they explore a possible deal - according to Romano.
The Latest: Arsenal 'exploring' Caicedo move...
It is believed that the Gunners have thrown their hat in the ring for Caicedo with Romano namedropping them as an interested party.
The journalist explained (via Twitter):
"Three clubs are exploring Caicedo deal after new agents statement: Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are informed on the situation, as revealed on Monday.
"Brighton, not intentioned to sell unless they receive really huge proposal."
The Verdict: Perfect player?
The 21-year-old. who also featured for Ecuador at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has been called Brighton's 'star player' by members of the press.
According to WhoScored, the tough-tackling ace certainly backs that label with his performances, having averaged Brighton's highest rate of successful challenges per 90 in the top flight.
Still very young, Caicedo would come to the Emirates Stadium as a signing of real longevity and quality given he also ranks in Brighton's top two for interceptions made per 90.
Called a 'marvellous player' by former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson, the South American has already earned plaudits from past Three Lions internationals.
Arsenal are arguably in need of a defensive midfield addition who is both proven in England and can come in to contribute to their title challenge immediately.
The issue is Brighton and their tough selling stance, but if Arsenal were willing to spend big, then there isn't any doubt they would land a very exciting player.