Arsenal will look to sign Declan Rice in the summer even if they snap up Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo ahead of next week’s transfer deadline, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
England star Rice continues to be linked with a move away from West Ham, having previously been touted for possible big-money moves to Chelsea and Manchester United.
Arsenal have more recently been tipped to move for Rice but at the moment are pursuing Caicedo, who has made it clear he wants to leave Brighton during this transfer window.
And the Sunday Telegraph suggest signing Caicedo would not deter Arsenal from also chasing Rice, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said to be keen to significantly boost his midfield options in order to provide competition for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.
Arsenal’s need for midfield reinforcements in the short term is obvious, with Mohamed Elneny sidelined and amid doubts over the future of Albert Sambi Lokonga.
A bid of around £60m for Caicedo was rejected but Arsenal are expected to go back in with another offer in the coming days.
The Mail on Sunday say the club will now offer £70m but that Brighton want closer to £80m for the Ecuador international.