Arsenal 'would be silly not to' attempt to lure Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo to the Emirates Stadium during the closing stages of the transfer window, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.
The Gunners have not been afraid to splash the cash in recent months, but boss Mikel Arteta could welcome further reinforcements to north London ahead of Thursday's 11pm deadline.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
What's the latest news involving Caicedo?
According to the Mirror, Caicedo has worked his way onto Arsenal's radar and is being chased by a number of other clubs as the closure of the transfer window nears.
The report suggests Premier League rivals Manchester United and West Ham United are also keeping tabs on the 23-cap Ecuador international's progress, while Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen are mulling over whether to test Brighton's resolve.
It is understood that Caicedo's current employers have no intention of sanctioning his departure ahead of the deadline.
Brighton are in a strong negotiating position and not under any pressure to offload the central midfielder as his Amex Stadium contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2025.
The Seagulls only forked out £4.5million to acquire Caicedo from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle last year.
What has Ryan Taylor said about Caicedo?
Taylor believes Arsenal would be making a glaring mistake if they opted against testing Brighton's resolve over Caicedo.
The journalist feels the 20-year-old's form has shown that he is capable of making an impact at the Emirates Stadium.
When asked whether Arsenal should make a move for Caicedo, Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: "I think they'd be silly not to because of the high level of his performances in such a short space of time since making his debut.
"I think one of his first games was away at Tottenham last year and that was only at the back-end of last season. Then he destroyed Manchester United in that 4-0 win, scoring, and the same happened on the opening day of the season.
"For a player to be doing that when he's literally moved to Europe within the past 18 months or so, and had a loan spell in Belgium, is impressive.
Would Caicedo be a good signing for Arsenal?
Although Caicedo has limited Premier League experience, having only made his debut in the competition in April, there is no doubt that he would be a shrewd acquisition.
Brighton have only suffered two defeats when the South American has been on the pitch, with those coming against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur last season, underlining how much of an influence he has had at the Amex Stadium.
Statistics show that Caicedo was in the 91st and 86th percentiles for percentage of aerial battles won and tackles in the defensive third respectively among midfielders in the English top flight last season, so it is clear he would give Arsenal's backline extra protection.
However, the Gunners will have to spend big if they want to get their man as Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has told GIVEMESPORT that Brighton would only consider an offer worth more than £70million.