Arsenal have put together a four-man shortlist of midfield targets ahead of the summer transfer window. The Gunners are set to add a number of new signings ahead of next season after securing Champions League football qualification.
Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his midfield options as he looks to continue developing his squad into consistent Premier League title challengers that can compete for trophies and in Europe. football.london understands Declan Rice remains the Gunners' priority heading into the summer transfer window as the West Ham captain enters the final year of his contract at the London Stadium.
Moises Caicedo wanted a move to the Emirates Stadium in January - but after Arsenal had two bids rejected for him by Brighton, the Ecuador international remained with Roberto De Zerbi's side. Caicedo has since signed a new contract, extending his stay at Brighton until 2027 and protecting his market value.
READ MORE: Declan Rice transfer latest: Huge Arsenal boost, Bayern Munich twist, Chelsea and Man Utd move
The Gunners have been linked with a shock move for Chelsea star Mason Mount this summer after they completed a January swoop for Jorginho. Mount's future at Stamford Bridge looks uncertain as talks over a new contract have proven unsuccessful so far despite Todd Boehly reiterating the England international's importance to the west Londoners.
The Athletic's David Ornstein has now revealed Arsenal's four-man shortlist to upgrade their midfield options ahead of next season. Ornstein appeared on Peacock’s coverage of the Gunners' defeat against Manchester City on Wednesday night, and he gave an update on Arsenal’s transfer market intentions.
The north Londoners are looking to sign two of Rice, Caicedo, Mount and Ajax talent Mohammed Kudus this summer, according to Ornstein. The four players are valued at a combined fee of £209million - as per CIES Football Observatory - meaning Edu has a serious decision to make regarding where the club decide to spend their money.
Rice and Mount could be the smarter options given they have proven themselves in the Premier League and their respective contract situations represent the best opportunity to negotiate a cheaper fee than the market may suggest. Kudus is a relatively unknown quantity but his ability and potential could make him a clever purchase - whilst Caicedo is considered to be one of the best talents in the English top-flight, but his market value has sky-rocketed after he signed a new long-term deal with Brighton.
Judging by the shortlist, Arsenal are looking to add one holding midfielder and one advanced midfielder to Arteta's squad ahead of the new season. Mount and Rice are known to be good friends off the pitch following their time in the Chelsea academy, and could reunite at the Emirates Stadium if the Gunners can agree deals for both England internationals.
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