Arsenal have reportely given Mikel Arteta the green light to sanction two big-money moves for West Ham United’s Declan Rice and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo this summer.
Despite Jorginho’s mostly good influence since joining from Chelsea in January, the Gunners will prioritize the purchase of further midfield reinforcements ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Arsenal’s pursuit of the Italy international was only launched on deadline day after they accepted defeat in their quest to lure Caicedo away from Brighton, having had two bids rejected.
According to The Times, Arsenal are hoping to bring in both Caicedo and Rice in a double swoop, and the Gunners could surpass their single-window spending record.
The Gunners hierarchy are reportedly ready to back Arteta with up to £200 million in money, with about £170 m of that war chest going towards signing Caicedo and Rice.
West Ham have earlier refused to entertain proposals for Rice worth less than £100m, but the club are now resigned to losing their captain this summer, as his contract expires at the end of next season.
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Arsenal are therefore believed to be hopeful about pushing the price down to roughly £90m, but a move for Caicedo could compel them to spend at least another £70m, and even up to £80m.
Similarly, West Ham manager David Moyes has said that there is a “good chance” Rice, who is desperate for Champions League play, would leave the London Stadium at the end of the season.
Rice is said to have turned down three extension offers from West Ham, and while Arsenal are now considered the favorites to sign him, Manchester United are said to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
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