Arsenal face one of their most important transfer windows for some time this summer, with reinforcements targeted to improve Mikel Arteta's squad.
football.london understands a new midfielder is the priority for sporting director Edu Gaspar, but other positions are being considered ahead of the Gunners' return to the UEFA Champions League.
Declan Rice has long been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with the West Ham captain speaking of his dream of playing in the Champions League in his career. However, with the Hammers' top flight status all-but confirmed, the England international will cost around £120million.
READ MORE: Arsenal need $150m transfer plan B after being rejected twice
It isn't just new signings on the agenda in N7, with the ambition of tying down some of the clubs' most-valued assets to long-term contracts a priority ahead of next season.
Here, football.london takes a look at the latest Arsenal news as the countdown to the summer transfer window ticks down.
$163m star extension
Arsenal may fall short in their Premier League title dream this season, but they are showing no signs of resting on their laurels and are close to tying down one of their best players on a new deal.
football.london understands that the club are set to extend the contracts of Bukayo Saka, as well as Aaron Ramsdale, as part of their long-term vision.
The extensions will follow Gabriel Martinelli's previous confirmation, with Arsenal doing their upmost best to keep hold of their most-expensive assets.
football.london says: Clever piece of business. Ensuring Bukayo Saka's future is at the Emirates Stadium is essential in Arsenal's plans of returning to the highest level. The winger has improved year-on-year and has been one of the Premier League's most-exciting wingers this season. With rumours of Man City sniffing about, this is a major statement.
Valued at $163m, Arsenal have one of the most promising assets in football at their disposal.
Rice 'definitely' moving
Rice is wanted by a number of clubs in the Premier League after his consistent performances for West Ham. Despite captaining his boyhood club, the midfielder is expected to pursue a move to one of the countries best teams in the summer to play in the Champions League.
The Englishman will supposedly cost £120m for his services, with West Ham open to accepting £100m if a player is to be included as part of the deal. However, his future has been joked about by teammate Michail Antonio and Newcastle forward Callum Wilson.
Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson was discussing transfers and said on Rice: "Every summer apparently Declan Rice is leaving right?" Antonio replied: "Every single summer.” to which Wilson jokingly said back: "Except this one he definitely is leaving."
football.london says: The ongoing transfer saga involving Rice is not one to be missed. Arsenal are many peoples favourites to land the box-to-box star due to their Champions League pull, but the money may prove too much. Players read the press and are aware of the transfer stories doing the rounds, Antonio is no different and is more than likely prepared for Rice's exit.
Caicedo summer demand
When Moises Caicedo signed a new long-term deal with Brighton, keeping him at the club until 2027, it seemed a basic ploy to ensure the Seagulls receive the correct transfer fee for him in the summer.
Arsenal may, if they fail to land Rice, turn their attention back to Caicedo and they have received a possible boost in their chances of signing him. Caicedo's agent, Manuel Sierra, has confirmed the midfielder's dream is to play in Champions League - something the Gunners can provide.
"Now he’s completely focused on the last part of the season; all evaluations will be postponed until the summer," he said. "This is not a surprise because there aren’t many other midfielders so young and talented around Europe. I believe he can really improve in every aspect of the game."
"He can slot into any [team] as he is ready for it all," added Caicedo's agent. "His dream is to play in the Champions League and to reach as far as he can in football."
football.london says: Arsenal found out in January how difficult negotiating with Brighton can be. Caicedo signing new terms at the club makes their stance even firmer, something Edu Gaspar will want to avoid. However, unlike the last seven years, the Gunners are back in Europe's prestigious competition and that bragging right can be the difference in securing the right targets.
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