Arsenal lead Chelsea in the race to sign 21-year-old PL star this summer – Reports

A fierce battle of transfer bids is set to ensue, as Arsenal have reportedly pulled ahead of Chelsea in their pursuit for Brighton's luminary, Moises Caicedo, according to Football Insider.

The 21-year-old Caicedo has been at the heart of a tug-of-war between the two London giants, both demonstrating long-standing admiration for the young talent. Their offers had been spurned in the frosty January transfer window, but as the summer sun approaches, they are eager to set the stage for a dramatic transfer saga.

🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Brighton are resigned to losing Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo this summer. #lfc [pete o'rourke - football insider] https://t.co/dYmlm6yKf5

But it seems the Gunners are primed to fire the decisive shot. Their prospects of securing the Ecuadorian international shine brighter than their rivals, leaving the Blues in the shadow of their gleaming ambitions. With Brighton resigned to the inevitable, a hearty bid in the region of £70-80 million is expected to mark the end of the Seagulls' retention efforts.

As one star prepares to exit, Brighton's horizon may not be left barren. They have reportedly found hope in Mahmoud Dahoud from Borussia Dortmund. A deal to acquire Dahoud is already at the doorstep, the player's medical check having paved the way for a promising new journey.

🔴⚪️ | Arsenal need AT LEAST 4 new players this summer.

4️⃣ - The Gunners will need to bring in at least 4 new players this summer if they are to compete with Man City:

🇫🇷 CB - Mohamed Simakan (£30m)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 CDM - Declan Rice (£90m)
🇪🇨 CM - Moises Caicedo (£70m)
🇷🇸 ST - Dusan… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/nsPMgQtA2R

Arsenal sit at the top of the food chain, their chances of landing Caicedo boosted significantly by the player's desire to compete in the Champions League. Having been out of the competition for six years, Arsenal's return to Europe's grand stage in the 2023/24 season has only further tantalized Caicedo.

Caicedo, a centerpiece of Roberto De Zerbi's game plan, has sparkled in Brighton colors this season. His stats may show a goal and an assist in 40 appearances, but it's his unyielding hustle and tenacity on the defensive end that make him indispensable.

Arsenal and Chelsea set their sights on Inter Milan striker

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez has reignited interest from an array of Premier League clubs. As the summer transfer window approaches, heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are eager to fortify their offensive depth with Martinez for the coming season.

Inter Milan, however, seems uninterested in parting ways with their star forward. However, a tempting offer exceeding £69 million could sway the Italian side to trade in their sharpshooter. According to InterLive (via Football London), manager Simone Inzaghi is playing a strategic game, raising funds to reassemble a more robust squad.

Chelsea is on the prowl for a formidable goal machine to satisfy Mauricio Pochettino's ambitions. The soon-to-be manager has been vocal about his summer wishlist, demanding Todd Boehly to pen deals for a striker, central midfielder, and goalkeeper this summer.

However, Chelsea will be wary of Arsenal's interest, as the report claims that Martinez has rocketed to the top of the Gunners' radar. Caught in a crossfire of interests, Martinez must tread carefully. His choices, to pledge allegiance to Pochettino at Stamford Bridge or to bathe in the spotlight of the Champions League at the Emirates, are both enticing and challenging.