Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of winger Billy Arce from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old signed a four-year deal with Albion, but will spend the upcoming season with La Liga 2 club Extremadura UD on a season-long loan deal.

Albion's pathway development manager David Weir told the club's official website: "We are delighted to sign Billy. He is an exciting young player with very good potential.

"We will monitor his progress over the course of the season during his time with Extremadura UD, and we hope the loan move will enable him to continue his development here in Europe."

Arce joined Independiente as a youth player in 2013 and went on to score 18 goals in 52 appearances in Ecuador's top flight.