Rice to Arsenal has huge impact on Chelsea transfer as Brighton take West Ham advice; Seagulls announce latest midfield capture

A report has explained how Declan Rice’s potential transfer from West Ham to Arsenal will influence Chelsea’s hunt to sign a Brighton ace, while the Seagulls have announced their third new arrival of the summer.

Arsenal have started the bidding as they look to win the chase for Rice amid rival interest from Manchester City. The Gunners have submitted an £80m proposal, though this has been rejected as West Ham are holding out for £100m.

West Ham are braced for Arsenal to return with an offer which meets their demands, which means it may not be long before Rice is on his way to Arsenal for a medical.

Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, although Fabrizio Romano has stated that they are currently prioritising moves for Rice and Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.

Instead, it is Chelsea who are pushing to snare Caicedo. Earlier on Friday, it emerged that the 21-year-old has decided he wants to join Chelsea over any of his other suitors, representing a major boost for the Blues.

Brighton journalist Charlie Haffenden has now provided an update on the situation on Sussex Express, alongside Arsenal reporter Chris Wheatley. They reiterate the fact that Brighton are willing to let Caicedo go this summer, but only for the right price.

READ MORE: Man City agree transfer fee and personal terms with only one obstacle in way of Chelsea deal

Brighton owner Tony Bloom is known to be a tough negotiator, as shown by the big money he has managed to bring in for the likes of Marc Cucurella and Ben White previously. Bloom has been keeping an eye on the Rice talks and believes the £100m valuation is suitable for Caicedo as well.

Both Bloom and Seagulls manager Roberto de Zerbi have told Caicedo he can leave if the right bid comes in. But, the report states, the crucial factor here is what Brighton deem to be a suitable amount of money.

Chelsea must pay big money for Brighton man

It seems Chelsea will have to make the Ecuadorian one of the most expensive Premier League players of all time in order to prise him away from the Amex.

In one bit of good news though, Mauricio Pochettino’s team are making progress when it comes to agreeing personal terms with the player.

Brighton have already lost Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool in recent weeks, but they are making some clever moves to replace their departing stars. Experienced head James Milner has arrived on a free transfer from Liverpool, while Brighton have agreed a club-record deal with Watford to sign striker Joao Pedro.

And now, Brighton have announced midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud will join them on July 1, following the expiry of his contract with Borussia Dortmund.

When asked about Dahoud, who has agreed a four-year contract with the club, De Zerbi said: “I’m excited to have Mahmoud in my team. I wanted him when I was at Sassuolo and I’m sure he is going to be a top player for us.”

Meanwhile, Friday’s Transfer Gossip includes an Inter attacker deciding to join Chelsea next.