Arsenal continue to keep pace with Manchester City in the Premier League title race with three games remaining. Focus remains solely on taking the holders the distance, but planning for the summer has already begun.
Mikel Arteta will need more options to choose from for next season, with the Gunners participating in the Champions League for the first time since 2017.
One area that will come under the microscope by the club's recruitment team is central midfield. The north Londoners already own a number of quality individuals in the position - with Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka forming a solid combo - yet reinforcements are needed.
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football.london understands that Declan Rice is the main priority this summer and will cost around £100million - £120million. The England international has already admitted his ambitions of playing in the Champions League, with Arsenal the frontrunners to acquire his services at the end of the season.
However, as should every recruitment process include, a shortlist of alternatives has been produced, should plan a fall through for some reason. Brighton star Moises Caicedo has continued to impress the Gunners after they saw two bids rebuffed in January, with Wolves' Ruben Neves the latest name linked with a move to north London.
But Arsenal's plan B could fall right in their lap in Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard has a £52million release clause in his contract and reportedly turned down Arsenal's approach in January to remain with Sociedad.
Barcelona are said to be keen on the midfielder, but the La Liga giants' move to bring Lionel Messi back to the club could all but end their pursuit. The Argentine World Cup winner is all but certain to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and seems likely to return to the Nou Camp.
Whilst bringing Messi back to Barcelona would not incur a transfer fee, his wages will demand a chunk of their financial flexibility, leaving them short to sign Zubimendi too and thus freeing Arsenal to swoop in.
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