Arsenal’s pursuit of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo has reportedly hit a stumbling block as Chelsea emerges as the frontrunner in the race for the talented midfielder.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at American Express Community Stadium on March 15, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at American Express Community Stadium on March 15, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Caicedo, who played a crucial role in securing Europa League football for the Seagulls, had previously been linked with a move to Arsenal during the January transfer window.

However, the Gunners’ hopes have been dampened as Chelsea apparently hold a crucial trump card in negotiations, involving promising defender Levi Colwill.

Key Points:

Chelsea’s Advantage with Levi Colwill

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion warms up prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth at American Express Community Stadium on February 04, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion warms up prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth at American Express Community Stadium on February 04, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
  • Chelsea has a significant advantage over Arsenal in the pursuit of Moises Caicedo due to their connection with defender Levi Colwill.
  • Colwill, who has excelled on loan at Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi, is reportedly a player Mauricio Pochettino wants to build his Chelsea team around.
  • The Blues may allow Colwill to return to Brighton for another season as part of a deal to secure Caicedo’s signature, giving them the upper hand in negotiations.

Arsenal’s Pursuit of Declan Rice

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers - LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
  • While Moises Caicedo remains a target for Arsenal, they have also identified West Ham’s Declan Rice as their top midfield transfer priority this summer.
  • The Gunners have set their sights on Rice but may turn their attention back to Caicedo if they fail to secure the England international’s services.
  • Arsenal’s interest in Rice and Caicedo showcases their ambition to strengthen their midfield options for the upcoming season.

Caicedo’s Future

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Friends Provident St. Mary’s Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
  • Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Moises Caicedo is likely to be sold at the end of the season, opening the door for potential suitors.
  • Caicedo’s performances have caught the attention of both Arsenal and Chelsea, highlighting his quality as a midfielder.
  • Despite Arsenal’s previous interest in Caicedo, Chelsea’s advantage with Levi Colwill could prove decisive in securing the Ecuadorian’s signature.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Moises Caicedo has suffered a significant blow, with Chelsea now said to hold a major advantage in the race for the Brighton midfielder.

The Gunners had been keen on acquiring Caicedo’s services during the January transfer window, but Brighton managed to retain their talented prospect.

However, with the summer transfer window approaching, it seems likely that Caicedo will depart the south coast club.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion is put under pressure by Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux on November 05, 2022. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion is put under pressure by Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux on November 05, 2022. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

While Arsenal had hoped to secure Caicedo’s signature, they have also been targeting West Ham’s Declan Rice as their primary midfield transfer target.

The Gunners’ interest in Rice indicates their ambition to strengthen their midfield options for the upcoming season. However, should their pursuit of Rice falter, Caicedo remains a viable alternative.

In the race for Caicedo, Chelsea has emerged as the frontrunner, thanks to their potential trump card involving defender Levi Colwill.

 Brighton's English defender Levi Colwill heads the baduring the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on May 24, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Brighton’s English defender Levi Colwill heads the baduring the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on May 24, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The 20-year-old joined Brighton on loan at the start of the season and has thrived under the management of Roberto De Zerbi.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s latest new manager, apparently sees Colwill as a key figure in his team’s development. As negotiations unfold, Chelsea may be willing to allow Colwill to return to Brighton on loan for another season, thereby sweetening the deal for Caicedo’s transfer.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Fabio Vieira of Arsenal is tackled by Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on November 09, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Fabio Vieira of Arsenal is tackled by Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on November 09, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The involvement of Colwill is said to give Chelsea a crucial advantage over Arsenal, as they can offer Brighton a promising talent in exchange for Caicedo. This advantage puts the Blues in a favourable position during negotiations.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the future of Moises Caicedo hangs in the balance. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have expressed a strong desire to acquire the Ecuadorian midfielder, who played a pivotal role in Brighton’s successful Europa League qualification.