Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar is preparing for yet another busy summer transfer window as the Gunners look to build on their impressive progress this season. Mikel Arteta's side lead the way in the Premier League despite suffering a number of setbacks in their pursuit of a first title since 2004 in recent weeks.
The north Londoners drew three consecutive games against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton before enduring a devastating 4-1 defeat against title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium earlier this week. Pep Guardiola's side now sit just two points behind Arsenal - with two games in hand that if they win both, could see them move four points clear of the Gunners.
Arsenal did secure Champions League football for next term despite the loss and will be looking to invest in the squad as they aim to continue their development under Arteta and remain as title challengers and competing for trophies for the coming years. football.london reported in January that the Gunners are prioritising a move for Hammers' captain Declan Rice this summer as they look to bolster their midfield options.
READ MORE: Declan Rice transfer latest: Huge Arsenal boost, Bayern Munich twist, Chelsea and Man Utd move
Moises Caicedo was a target earlier this year but the Ecuador international failed to push through a move to the Emirates Stadium in January after Arsenal had two bids rejected for him. Caicedo has since signed a new long-term deal with the Seagulls - but interest from top clubs in the Premier League has remained heading towards the summer transfer window.
The Athletic's reporter David Ornstein has given an insight into the dilemma facing the Gunners ahead of the summer transfer window regarding their pursuit of Rice and Caicedo. Ornstein told FIVE Insider: "Mikel Arteta really wants a prominent signing in there [midfield] to help this squad going forward.
"I'm really intrigued to see which direction they [Arsenal] go. We know the interest in Declan Rice is strong.
"We knew the interest in Moises Caicedo was strong, we don't know which way they'll go or if there are other alternatives they will pursue.
"I don't think they would go for both given the costs involved. Let's see because those clubs [West Ham and Brighton] have to be willing sellers and we don't know what the Arsenal budget will be.
"I think there is a desire at Arsenal for a more advanced central midfielder - if the money allows. That's why they're among the clubs that like Mason Mount, there's a strong interest in him."
The only teams in the Premier League that would likely have the financial capabilities to buy Rice and Caicedo in the same transfer window are City, Chelsea and Manchester United. This leaves Arsenal with a dilemma as they must decide whether to pursue a potential £100million deal for Rice or reignite their interest in Caicedo - with Brighton expected to demand a similar fee for their midfield star.
City's immense spending power has allowed them to build a squad with more depth and quality than any other team in the Premier League as they look to complete a historic treble-winning season this year. The Gunners cannot compete with Guardiola's side in terms of squad depth and transfer spend meaning they must be smart and pursue the player they feel can help improve them the most moving forward.
Caicedo has the ability to play as a holding midfielder or in a box-to-box role, whilst Rice is predominantly a defensive midfielder - but the England international may flourish in a role that allows him to move forward more. In the end, it will probably come down to the money involved in each deal.
Rice's contract with the Hammers is set to expire next year meaning there is a higher chance that Arsenal will be able to negotiate a lower fee than in a deal for Caicedo. The West Ham star has rejected proposals for a new contract and has reiterated his desire to play for a team in the Champions League and compete for trophies on a consistent basis.
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