Brighton believe Chelsea target Moises Caicedo is “just as valuable” as West Ham captain Declan Rice, according to talkSPORT.

Arsenal have just submitted a £105m bid for Rice, and it seems that the Blues may have to offer a similar amount if they want to secure Caicedo’s signature this summer.

There have been multiple reports suggesting that Brighton would be happy to sell the Ecuadorian international for around £70m to £80m but, while talkSPORT say that the Seagulls are “open to selling at the right price”, that valuation is higher than originally claimed.

Chelsea are known to be Caicedo’s preferred destination, with personal terms already being agreed, but it is believed that no formal offer has been tabled for the player yet.

Player sales are the priority for Chelsea

Due to Financial Fair Play considerations, the Blues have been focused on raising funds from the sale of a number of first-team players, but it is still widely expected that Mauricio Pochettino’s side will make a bid for Caicedo pretty soon.

It remains to be seen whether they will have competition for the 21-year-old’s signature. After having had two bids rejected for the player in January, Arsenal have subsequently cooled their interest. Manchester United could, however, still get involved in the battle for the midfielder.

Caicedo has received plenty of praise from pundits

After Brighton played Aston Villa back in November, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp hailed the Ecuadorian for his ability both on and off the ball:

“He has been magnificent. He possesses all the attributes to play really well in every area. He’s a brilliant tackler, the timing has to be spot on with the modern game. You get it wrong, you get booked, you’re on a knife edge for the rest of the game.”

“But he makes tackling look so easy. I remember Scott Parker was a magnificent tackler, used to do this very well. He can also play, he’s very progressive with his passing, looks to play people in. He’s just been a revelation since he’s come there and I’m sure a lot of clubs will be looking at him right now. He also has an eye for goal, he gets forward.”

Redknapp’s praise for Caicedo has been echoed by plenty of others and it is not a surprise that Chelsea are so keen on signing the player.