Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice for more than £100million, according to recent reports.
The Guardian have claimed that whilst a bid is yet to be submitted by the Gunners, talks between the two London clubs have been progressing smoothly amid confidence that a deal will soon be finalised. The report goes on to add that Mikel Arteta's side are also considering lodging a bid for Brighton star Moises Caicedo, with the Spaniard also trying to sign Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan.
Arteta tried to sign Caicedo during the January window but the Seagulls were unwilling to sell, rejecting two bids from the north London outfit before the Ecuadorian signed a new long-term contract at the Amex Stadium. Still, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has since admitted that the 21-year-old has likely played his last game for the south-coast side, expecting the talented midfielder to leave this summer.
"They deserve to change level of team and competition, we have to be happy for them," De Zerbi said when asked about Caicedo and teammate Alexis Mac Allister's futures last month. "We are Brighton and our policy is to help the young players to progress, we can’t keep our best players.
"That is right, it is our mentality and we have to find more young players." Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Caicedo and football.london understands that the Blues are expected to push for a move to sign the versatile youngster this summer.
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Meanwhile, the aforementioned Gundogan is into the final three weeks of his contract at City. This means he would be available on a free transfer if he hasn't signed a new deal at the Etihad Stadium before then.
But Arsenal will likely face stiff competition in the race to sign the German international, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-German and a number of Saudi clubs also said to be interested in the 32-year-old whilst Citizens boss Pep Guardiola has also made it no secret of his desire for the veteran midfielder to stay in Manchester.
Speaking about Gundogan during a press conference earlier this month, Guardiola said, via Hayters TV: "He knows what I think. Maybe someone of you know, we are neighbours, we live on the same floor. For many years, he’s a close friend of mine.
"As a player, he’s exceptional. Hopefully, we can finish in a good way. Txiki [Begiristain, City’s director of football] is working and hopefully, we can do it, because this season (what) he has done is exceptional.
“Don’t forget (against) Aston Villa – the two goals he scored. This season he scored many many times he scored important goals.”
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