Brighton snap up Arsenal and Real Madrid target - Fabrizio Romano

Jacque Talbot

• 1 Feb 2024 15:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Brighton have agreed a deal to sign Caylan Vickers from Reading, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The move is now subject to medical, the Italian reporter has stated. The Seagulls have therefore beaten Real Madrid and Arsenal to the youngster’s signature.

The teenage striker had been linked to both clubs previously but he is now almost certain to move to the south coast. The 18-year-old forward only turned pro with The Royals in July and made his senior debut against Peterborough United in August.

It’s thought that Arsenal have been keeping track of Vickers after he scored and impressed in a 5-2 win over the Gunners' Under-21 team in the Football League Trophy in November.

At the time, it was reported that Reading wanted £1 million plus a percentage of any future sell-on deal.

The 19-year-old drummed up interest after his spellbinding displays in League One throughout this season.

🚨🔵 Brighton agree deal to sign 2004 talent Caylan Vickers from Reading, it’s done and sealed.

Deal subject to medical taking place today but agreement in place between all parties.

Interesting one for #BHAFC, first called by @Will_Unwin and 100% agreed 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/RdOYkZ7ju5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2024

It comes after the news that Liverpool are keen on hiring Roberto De Zerbi as their next manager.

Romano has acknowledged that Liverpool are internally discussing the Brighton manager following the news that Jurgen Klopp would be leaving at the end of the season.

The German will remain in his position until the end of the season, but De Zerbi is admired by those in charge at Anfield.

“Roberto De Zerbi is another manager they have discussed internally as one of the options. So this name for sure will be on the shortlist,” Romano said via CaughtOffsidee. “Let’s see who else is going to be on this list. Let’s see what the new director will decide in terms of who is the best manager for the new project after Jurgen Klopp.

“It’s never easy to come into a club like Liverpool and make an impact at the same level of Jurgen Klopp. They will speak internally, they will have a new director and then they will decide who is going to be the new coach.”