Arsenal are interested in a double deal to sign West Ham’s Declan Rice and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo as the club prepare for a record-breaking spend this summer.
Arsenal want to build on an encouraging season that has seen the Gunners mount an unexpected title challenge under Mikel Arteta, with the north Londoners set to compete in the Champions League next season for the first time since 2016/17.
Arteta wants to reinforce his midfield ahead of the new campaign and the club are targeting big-money deals for Rice and Caicedo. The duo could cost in the region of £170m combined, with Arsenal having had an approach for the latter turned down in January.
According to the Times, Arsenal have freed funds for a record spend this summer and Arteta is also keen to bring in an attacking option and two defenders. Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Barcelona’s Raphinha have been linked with filling the former role.
Arsenal’s business is set to be part-funded by a number of outgoings, with Granit Xhaka among those who could leave despite a strong season at the Emirates. The Switzerland international is attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen and could move on given Arsenals’ desire to bring in midfield recruits.
Folarin Balogun is also set to attract significant offers after a fine season on loan at Reims, while Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares are all available for sale after spending the current campaign out on loan.
Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding are the other squad members who could leave in search of more regular opportunities next season.
