Arsenal ‘consider plan to HIJACK Chelsea’s move’ for Brighton star Moises Caicedo this summer

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a move for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and will rival Chelsea in the chase for the Ecuador international this summer.

Caicedo, 21, has been widely linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month but the Blues have seen two bids rejected for him, with the Seagulls declaring their star man is not for sale.

The midfielder was reportedly keen on the transfer, but was not willing to force through a departure from Brighton and Chelsea are now resigned to missing out on him in January.

And, according to the Evening Standard, the Gunners may now potentially rival the Blues when they revisit a move for the Ecuadorian in the summer.

Arsenal are keen to sign a new midfielder for next season with the Gunners lacking strength in depth in that position.

Declan Rice is emerging as one of their top targets, with the 24-year-old widely-expected to leave West Ham in the summer.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side are also looking at alternative to Rice, and Caicedo has emerged as a strong option. 

The Blues have already had a £55million bid rejected for the Ecuador international this month

When speaking earlier on Tuesday, 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…