Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta targets Declan Rice AND Moises Caicedo

Regardless of whether or not the Arsenal board signs Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, Mikel Arteta has made it known to them that he wants to recruit Declan Rice, the captain of West Ham.

The Seagulls have turned down two offers from the Gunners, who are hoping to conclude a deadline-day transfer for the Ecuadorian international.

Caicedo, who is also being pursued by Chelsea, has made it known to Brighton that he wants to leave and that Arsenal is where he would like to sign.

After it was revealed that Rice was one of Arsenal’s main summer targets, a move for the midfielder was made a fortnight later.

The international midfielder from England has made it clear that he wants to compete in the Champions League, and West Ham will grudgingly allow him to depart this summer if they receive roughly £100 million for the player.

Given Rice’s skillset and price tag, it was thought that a move for Caicedo was an alternative to the Englishman.

But the Sun say Arteta wants to sign Rice regardless of whether Arsenal land Caicedo today as he wants to significantly bolster his midfield.

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaxa have been superb so far this season but there’s a lack of depth below them.

Caicedo and Rice would cost around £170m but they would significantly bolster Arsenal’s midfield and Arteta wants strength in depth in all areas.