Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is set to back Mikel Arteta heavily during the summer transfer window, freeing up a huge budget that could be more than £200 million, as per The Times.
football.london understands that West Ham United captain Declan Rice is the north London club's priority for the summer window as Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options, with Brighton's Moises Caicedo also one name on the club's shortlist of options. Now, it is claimed that the Spaniard wants to sign both at the end of the current campaign, two signings that could cost a combined £170 million.
The Gunners boss is also said to be keen to bring in an attacking player, as well as two defenders, with Barcelona winger Raphinha and Bayer Leverkusen attacker Moussa Diaby both named as potential targets. Sporting Director Edu tried to sign Raphinha from Leeds United last summer before the Brazilian international opted for the Nou Camp over the Emirates Stadium.
READ MORE: Moises Caicedo breaks silence on tackle that injured Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli
A number of exits could help owner Stan Kroenke fund this huge spending spree, with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Emile Smith Rowe, Folarin Balogun, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares all potentially heading out the door. Signing both Rice and Caicedo would significantly strengthen Arsenal's physical attributes in midfield, with the Gunners finding it difficult to deal with teams that possess a combination of strength and technical ability in recent times.
Recent losses against Brighton and Manchester City have highlighted their weaknesses in transition and Arteta is said to appreciate the need to recruit more powerful players in the centre of the park. "(Martin) Odegaard has been the technical leader, but they are missing a physical leader,” Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira said after the north London side lost 3-0 to the Seagulls on Sunday.
"When you look at City, you get the physical attribute of the players — they are six foot plus and really strong.”
READ NEXT:
Moises Caicedo's classy gesture, referee forgets the rules: Arsenal moments missed vs Brighton
Roy Keane disagrees with VAR over Gabriel Martinelli decision during Arsenal vs Brighton
Every word Mikel Arteta said on if the title race is over, need to improve and Martinelli injury
Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton as Ben White poor but Reiss Nelson shows fight again
Gary Neville left baffled by 'incredible' decision early in Arsenal vs Brighton
