Arsenal monitoring alternatives to Declan Rice with West Ham set to demand more than the Gunners’ expected £90m offer… with Martin Zubimendi, Ruben Neves and Moises Caicedo also considered as options
- Arsenal could be priced out of a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice
- They have three names in mind as potential alternatives to the England star
- CLICK HERE to read this week’s Transfer Confidential column by Simon Jones
Arsenal have three players in mind who could serve as alternatives to West Ham captain Declan Rice in their bid to improve their midfield this summer.
The Gunners’ desire to sign the England international is well documented and a structured £90m offer is expected to soon be made.
However, the Hammers want considerably more for their star player, and believe that Manchester United would meet their demands.
Arsenal hope Rice wants to stay in London, but they have three alternative options if they fail to land the 24-year-old.
The Gunners also retain interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Ruben Neves of Wolves and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
The Gunners have potential alternatives in mind to West Ham midfielder Declan Rice
Arsenal held talks with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi (left) during the January window
Arsenal also have Moises Caicedo (left) and Ruben Neves (right) on their midfield shortlist
Arsenal held talks about Zubimendi in January but he didn’t wish to leave with Sociedad doing so well despite Arsenal being prepared to pay his £53m release clause.
The 24-year-old is also wanted by Xavi at Barcelona who described him as ‘an extraordinary pivot’.
Wolves want £45m for Ruben Neves who is seeking Champions League football though the Molineux club would rather sell abroad.
Mikel Arteta’s side meanwhile failed in their efforts to sign Caicedo from Brighton in January, after the Seagulls rejected a £70m offer.
As well as a more defensive minded midfielder, the Gunners will also be looking to provide creative support for captain Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners have held talks with representatives of Man City’s Ilkay Gundogan and Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
Arsenal could pursue Ilkay Gundogan (right) to provide creative support to Martin Odegaard (left)
Arsenal have also contacted the representatives of Mason Mount (right) while Granit Xhaka (left) looks set to join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window
Gundogan, like Neves and Zubimendi, has Barcelona among his admirers but knows that Pep Guardiola wants him to re-sign him to a new deal.
City have offered another year with an option and further talks are expected this week.
The departure of Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen will open up room and they will look to offload Albert Sambi Lokonga too.
The Belgian has admirers at Burnley, with Vincent Kompany hailing him as ‘the next Yaya Toure’.
Europa League finalists Sevilla though are also weighing up an offer for the 23-year-old midfielder.
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