The Club León player has enjoyed a productive 2026, scoring 11 goals across two competitions. That’s now caught Brighton’s attention, with the Premier League side reportedly making initial contact to find out more about his situation.

Brazilian side Botafogo are interested too, although neither club has gone as far as making an offer.

Brighton make contact after impressive year in Mexico

According to Colombian journalist Juan Camilo Ruiz, Brighton have made an initial approach for Arcila, whose contract with León runs until June 2028.

The information was picked up in Brazil on Wednesday by Terra, with Botafogo also named as an interested club.

Arcila has certainly given scouts something to look at this year. His numbers across the Mexican league’s two campaigns make for decent reading.

That’s 13 goal contributions in 34 appearances, despite playing just over 2,000 minutes. He’s averaging a goal roughly every 190 minutes.

His performances have also earned him a first call-up to Colombia’s senior national team, another nice milestone in what’s been a good year for him.

Arcila came through the ranks at Envigado in Colombia before joining León in 2025. He’s now starting to attract attention from clubs outside Mexico.

What happens next for Brighton?

There’s no suggestion Brighton have made an offer yet. Ruiz describes the contact as an initial enquiry, so we’re still some way from talking about an actual transfer.

Transfermarkt values Arcila at €1.5m (£1.25m), although that’s just an estimate. León haven’t been reported as setting an asking price, and they have him under contract for another year and a half.

Brighton’s interest makes sense given their history of looking towards South America for talent. They’ve had plenty of success identifying players before they become bigger names in Europe.

Arcila is a little older than some of their previous discoveries, but his recent numbers suggest he’s finding his feet at senior level.

Botafogo could provide competition if things progress. For now, though, there’s no indication either club has moved beyond the enquiry stage.

The next thing to watch is whether Brighton follow up that first contact with something more concrete.