Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'draw up three-man shortlist of Declan Rice alternatives'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 23 May 2023

Arsenal reportedly identify Moises Caicedo, Ruben Neves and Martin Zubimendi as three alternative signings to West Ham United's Declan Rice.

Arsenal have apparently identified three potential alternatives to West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice should they fail to land their number one target this summer.

For the past couple of years, West Ham have successfully rebuffed interest from Big Six clubs to keep their captain on the books, but his contract only runs until the end of next season.

Having hitherto ruled out the prospect of Rice leaving unless an astronomical offer was tabled, Hammers boss David Moyes recently conceded that the 24-year-old has a "good chance" of leaving this summer.

Arsenal are understood to be at the head of the queue to sign Rice, and the Gunners will be able to fulfil the England international's dreams to play in the Champions League.

However, Bayern Munich and Manchester United - both of whom are also on course to play in Europe's top tier next year - could rival Arsenal for Rice's signature, and the North London club are already said to be playing catch-up financially.

West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates scoring their first goal on May 21, 2023 © Reuters

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are formulating their opening offer of a £90m deal, but West Ham are still holding out for a fee of £100m, in spite of Rice's contract situation.

The report claims that the Hammers expect Man United to submit a nine-figure bid, and while Arsenal are hoping that Rice's desire to remain in London could win out, they have earmarked a trio of alternatives.

The first name on the list is Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, whom Arsenal tried and failed to sign in January, seeing two bids rejected by the South Coast club.

Despite announcing his desire to leave Brighton after Arsenal's first failed offer, Caicedo signed a new contract with Roberto De Zerbi's side until 2027 earlier this year, although the Seagulls are supposedly still resigned to losing him this summer and tied him down to fresh terms to protect his value first and foremost.

As well as Caicedo, Arsenal are believed to be keeping a close eye on Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves, who is poised to leave the West Midlands club at the end of the season.

Ruben Neves in action for Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 1, 2022 © Reuters

Neves is also pining for Champions League football and would cost significantly less than Rice at £45m, but Wolves are supposedly reluctant to sell to a Premier League club.

Finally, the Gunners could reignite their interest in Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi after exploring a deal for the 24-year-old in January, but the midfielder did not want to leave midway through the season.

Zubimendi's contract with Real Sociedad reportedly includes a £53m release clause, but Barcelona are eyeing a move for the Spaniard as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.

The Gunners could also try to rival Barcelona for the signature of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is out of contract this summer and is supposedly set to make a decision on his future after the Champions League final on June 10.

Arsenal are expected to sell Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen for £13m in the coming weeks, and the Switzerland captain has confirmed that his next career move will be announced before the Gunners' final Premier League game of the season at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

Thomas Partey is also said to be on the radar of two Serie A clubs, while the out-of-favour Albert Sambi Lokonga could leave permanently following a disappointing loan spell with Crystal Palace.