Arsenal's final few days of the January transfer window could be hectic.
The Gunners have already brought in Belgian forward Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior from Serie A outfit Spezia in the winter window and football.london understands that Mikel Arteta is also keen to strengthen his options in midfield. Egyptian international Mohamed Elneny is currently sidelined with a knee injury, leaving the north Londoners short of options in the centre of the park.
Brighton rebuffed Arsenal's £60 million offer for Moises Caicedo on Friday morning, football.london understands, with the Seagulls said to be demanding a fee north of £75 million for the 21-year-old. Some supporters have been speculating how Caicedo potentially arriving at the Emirates Stadium could impact their pursuit of West Ham United captain Declan Rice, who also plays as a holding midfielder.
However, the Telegraph reported earlier this week that the Gunners' interest in Rice is not expected to prevent them from recruiting a midfielder during the January window, effectively meaning that a move for Caicedo shouldn't hinder their chances of landing the England international this summer. The Hammers' star has made it no secret of his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League sooner rather than later, a competition that Arsenal will likely be in next season considering they currently lead the Premier League.
“One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” he said last month.
“For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that. I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing.
"I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and at the end, you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”
