Mikel Arteta has made it clear to his Arsenal board that he wants to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice, regardless of whether the Gunners land Brighton’s Moises Caicedo or not.
The Gunners hope to complete a deadline day move for the Ecuador international but they’ve had two bids rejected by the Seagulls, who remain keen to keep the midfielder.
Caicedo, who is also attracting interest from Chelsea, has made it clear to Brighton that he wants to leave and his preference is to join Arsenal.
A move for the midfielder came a fortnight after it emerged that Rice was a top summer target for Arsenal.
The England international has made no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League and West Ham will reluctantly let him leave this summer, provided they get around £100m for the midfielder.
Given Rice’s skillset and price tag, it was thought that a move for Caicedo was an alternative to the Englishman.
But the Sun say Arteta wants to sign Rice regardless of whether Arsenal land Caicedo today as he wants to significantly bolster his midfield.
Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaxa have been superb so far this season but there’s a lack of depth below them.
Caicedo and Rice would cost around £170m but they would significantly bolster Arsenal’s midfield and Arteta wants strength in depth in all areaas.
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