Arsenal are 'set to return' with an improved offer to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo before January 31, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Caicedo bid rejected...

Reports emerged of a £60 million bid for the Ecuador international on Friday morning, but as quickly as that news came out, updates then came to light of the offer being swiftly rejected.

Mikel Arteta's side are keen to add a new midfielder to their ranks as the Premier League title-chasers lock horns with Man City.

Arsenal arguably lack alternatives to the likes of Thomas Partey in front of their back four, and if the Ghanaian were to succumb to injury, it would spell real trouble for Arteta.

The Latest: Arsenal 'set to return' with improved Caicedo bid...

The north Londoners, according to an update by The Daily Mail, are 'set to return' with an improved offer for Caicedo before January 31.

It's added that a bid of around £80m may tempt Brighton into selling, but Arsenal could be helped by Caicedo's personal stance.

The 21-year-old is allegedly 'desperate to force through a move' to either Arsenal or signing competitors Chelsea.

The possibility of Caicedo handing in a transfer request also isn't ruled out.

The Verdict: Go back in?

£80m is a very steep fee for someone who has played just two seasons of top flight football but Caicedo has attracted interest from huge clubs in the past.

Man United were among those eyeing a move for the South American before he chose to join Brighton and he has since not looked back.

Caicedo has become a mainstay for the Seagulls, starting 18 league games this season whilst averaging more tackles and interceptions per 90 this season than any Brighton regular with over three starts (WhoScored).

He's also featured for his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, further adding to his credentials as a player gaining more and more experience on football's biggest stages.

Called a 'big player' for Brighton by manager Roberto De Zerbi, the tough-tackling midfielder could come as the perfect alternative to Partey with the only obstacle being his side.

It appears Brighton are set to dig their heels in over letting Caicedo go this month but his quality indicates that Arsenal's persistence could pay off.