Report: Chelsea in pole position to sign Brighton midfielder Moses Caicedo

Chelsea have sneaked in front of Arsenal in the race to sign Brighton midfielder Moses Caicedo, according to reports.

Caicedo had long been linked with a move to the Gunners, who tried to sign the 21-year-old in January.

Reports indicate that Caicedo has an assurance from Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi that he will be allowed to leave in this transfer window.

The Blues are set to fork out a minimum of £80m for the Ecuadorian but will only make an official offer once a number of outgoing transfers including Kai Havertz to Arsenal, Edouard Mendy to Al Ahli, Hakim Ziyech to Al Nassr and Kalidou Koulibaly to Al Hilal are complete.

Caicedo vented his frustration at not being allowed to join Arsenal in January, but has had a change of heart since then as Stamford Bridge is understood to be his preferred choice now.