Rice top of Arsenal’s list but Arteta eyeing two other huge names

Declan Rice remains the top transfer target for Arsenal this summer, according to reports. But the West Ham star is not the only midfielder Mikel Arteta is interested in signing.

Arsenal’s interest in Rice emerged at the turn of the year. The Gunners are confident of beating rival teams to the England star’s signature.

Rice has long been linked with a move to Chelsea, the club that released him at the age of 14. Manchester United and Manchester City are also long-term admirers of the midfielder.

But it is Arsenal who are leading the way. The Telegraph claims he is top of the wishlist for Arteta heading into the summer window and the Gunners recruitment team are stepping up their business after securing qualification to the Champions League for the first time since 2016.

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Arsenal are now unlikely to end their 19-year wait for the Premier League title this season. Arteta will want to make the necessary additions to his squad to prevent that number from extending beyond 20.

West Ham would still demand a large fee for Rice despite his contract expiring in 2024. Hammers boss David Moyes has previously stated it would take a British transfer record to lure Rice away from the London Stadium.

Enzo Fernandez currently holds that record having joined Chelsea from Benfica for just under £107m in January. But Rice isn’t the only midfielder Arteta is eyeing.

The Telegraph claims interest in Brighton star Moises Caicedo remains, while exploratory contact has been made over Chelsea’s Mason Mount. Arsenal failed with three bids for Caicedo in January.

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The Ecuador star made it clear he was keen on a move to the Emirates but has since signed a new long-term contract at the Amex. Brighton would demand a huge fee for a player who they have no intention of selling.

Mount, meanwhile, is out of contract at Chelsea in just over 12 months’ time. Liverpool are leading the way for his signature if he were to leave Stamford Bridge.

Mount is best mates with Rice, which could play a factor in where he goes this summer. Arsenal are also said to be interested in completing a deal for young Spanish full-back Ivan Fresneda.

Arsenal’s recruitment team did their due diligence on the Real Valladolid star in the January transfer window. Fresneda could provide back-up and competition to Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

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