Arsenal's firm priority being on Declan Rice has seen summer transfer links to Moises Caicedo lessen but that could change very soon. The Gunners are still interested in signing the Brighton midfielder but Chelsea's determination to get that deal over the line has resulted in Arsenal first focussing on other targets.
One of those is on the books of the Blues in Kai Havertz, who is of keen interest to Mikel Arteta. The 24-year-old forward has endured a difficult few years at Stamford Bridge and he now looks set to move on this summer with Arsenal edging closer to agreeing his transfer. According to the Daily Mail, an offer totalling £60million has been made, with £55million in guaranteed fees and £5million in add-ons.
Nonetheless, the Gunners are making their moves for several targets and Chelsea doing the same could give Edu and Arteta some hope of acquiring Caicedo. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Blues have lodged a £60million bid to try and sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid.
The Frenchman was signed by Los Blancos last summer for €100million (£85.3m) which is why it was completely understandable Madrid rejected that first offer from Stamford Bridge. However, the report adds an improved offer that is closer to what they paid could 12 months ago could tempt them into selling.
Chelsea pushing on with a move for Tchouameni may result in negotiations for Caicedo slowing down, an outcome that Arsenal can take advantage of. Brighton, like West Ham with Rice, value Caicedo at £100million which would make it extremely difficult for both to arrive at Emirates Stadium this summer for financial reasons, but a major double swoop cannot be ruled out.
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Departures for Kieran Tierney and Folarin Balogun could gift Arteta some extra funds but signing Timber and Havertz alongside that duo would be near-impossible. An alternative as a second midfield addition next to Rice is Romeo Lavia with both Chelsea and Arsenal opening talks with Southampton and negotiating personal terms.
Despite Chelsea's reported bid for Tchouameni, Caicedo is still a firm target and the Blues want to make significant progress over a transfer this week. However, the door has been left slightly ajar for Arsenal to make an ambitious swoop for Caicedo alongside Rice if Chelsea turn their full attention towards another midfield option in Tchouameni.
