Six players Arsenal can spend £200m budget on instead of Rice and Caicedo

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reviews the Brighton game

Arsenal are desperate to bolster midfield ranks and believe that reinforcements in the department could prove decisive in the title race next season, with reports speculating that approximately £200million could be allocated to two top signings in midfield – Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice. However, that may not be putting those funds to good use overall.

According to The Times, Mikel Arteta has been given the green light to break the club’s spending record to bring in West Ham captain Rice and Brighton star Caicedo. Signing the duo is likely to set the club back at least £170m, with the club allowing for inflated prices this summer too it appears.

However, given that Arsenal paid the price for a lack of depth all over the pitch – not just in midfield – splashing £200m on two stars may not be the best step forward from Arteta. Express Sport takes a look at how those funds could be spent across the entire squad…

Romeo Lavia

Although not as proven as Caicedo and Rice, Romeo Lavia is incredibly highly regarded and was one of the few bright sparks for Southampton this season. The midfielder is reportedly set to be on the move this summer following his side’s relegation, not willing to spend a campaign in the Championship.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also keen on Lavia, thus Arsenal pouncing to strike a deal would also affect the transfer business conducted by their rivals. It has been speculated that a fee of £45m could be enough to sign the playmaker this summer, and on a long-term contract that would prove an exciting cut-price alternative in midfield.

Youri Tielemans

Signing Youri Tielemans on a free transfer is a no-brainer for the Gunners. The Belgium international has crumbled this season with Leicester but at no fault of his own and he could slot into Arteta’s midfield with ease if bouncing back to his old form.

Tino Livramento

Clubs will be licking their lips at the prospect of signing Southampton’s stars for minimal fees now that they have been relegated, and Arsenal could raid them of two top talents if they push for Tino Livramento once again. The versatile defender is valued at £17m by Transfermarkt and would provide depth in both fullback roles, potentially being suited by the demands to play inverted if his injury has not had long-term implications.

Tammy Abraham

Arteta is keen to sign another forward this summer to bolster his forward ranks, and the chance to sign long-admired star Tammy Abraham appears to have presented itself. Whilst the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United are distracted by battling it out for Victor Osimhen of Napoli, the Gunners could pounce and secure the services of the England international for £40m – with Roma recently reducing his price tag, according to Calcio Mercato.

With Folarin Balogun expected to depart, having a more direct, powerful option could be what is required at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have looked at this profile of forward previously – shown by their interest in Dusan Vlahovic and Dominic Calvert-Lewin previously – and Abraham would be a real coup.

Marc Guehi

A lack of depth in defence has proven costly in Arsenal’s title push, and they may need to bite the bullet and cough up a significant fee for another centre-back. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has shone this season and his progress is being closely monitored, with the Eagles willing to entertain offers in the region of £45m, says the Daily Mail.

Pedro Neto

With Reiss Nelson departing and Emile Smith Rowe potentially on the chopping block, Arsenal need another winger – with Leandro Trossard proving that options coming off of the bench are crucial. Last year, the Gunners were keen to sign Pedro Neto but looked elsewhere, though the Portugal international could be easily attainable even if Wolves stand by their £50m valuation – as long as the ‘Rice and Caicedo funds’ are used elsewhere.

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