Arsenal is reportedly looking to overhaul its midfield engine room this summer, with the club pursuing the signings of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo. The Gunners’ decision to pursue these players is in part motivated by their disappointment at Thomas Partey’s form towards the end of last season.
Partey had been a mainstay in Arsenal’s midfield, providing the platform on which their impressive form was built, and appeared to have overcome the fitness issues that had plagued his first two seasons at the club. However, during the March international break, he was accompanied by a member of Arsenal’s medical team and missed an African Cup of Nations qualifier as Angola. Upon his return, Partey struggled to replicate his early season form and was particularly culpable in the costly draw at West Ham and thumping defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
According to The Times, Arsenal was dismayed at the drop-off in Partey’s form and he could now be rendered surplus to requirements should the Gunners land their top two midfield targets. Partey has two years left on his current contract and has been attracting attention from several clubs in Italy.
Arsenal is edging towards completing a deal for Rice with West Ham ready to reluctantly accept an offer of £100million for their captain. A move for Caicedo, however, is likely to prove more complicated with Chelsea and Manchester United both expressing interest in the Brighton international. Arsenal attempted, unsuccessfully, to sign the Ecuador international in January despite Caicedo submitting a very public transfer request.
Brighton, however, appear ready to sell one of the standout stars of Roberto De Zerbi’s emerging team, having also allowed Alexi Mac Allister to join Liverpool earlier this month.
Declan Rice: A Potential Solution for Arsenal’s Midfield Woes
Declan Rice is a highly sought-after midfielder who has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer. The West Ham captain has been in impressive form for the Hammers, and his performances have caught the attention of several top Premier League clubs. Rice is a versatile midfielder who can play in a variety of positions, including defensive midfield and centre-back.
Arsenal is in desperate need of a midfield overhaul, and Rice could be the solution to their problems. The Gunners have struggled to find a consistent midfield pairing, and Rice’s arrival could provide the stability they need. The 22-year-old is a strong tackler, an excellent passer of the ball, and has great positional awareness. He would be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad and could help Arsenal challenge for a top-four spot next season.
Moises Caicedo: A Complicated Transfer Target
Moises Caicedo is another midfielder who has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer. The 19-year-old Ecuadorian has been in impressive form for Brighton, and his performances have caught the attention of several top Premier League clubs. However, a move for Caicedo is likely to prove more complicated than one for Rice.
Chelsea and Manchester United have both expressed interest in the player, and Brighton is unlikely to let him go without a fight. Arsenal attempted to sign Caicedo in January but was unsuccessful, despite the player submitting a very public transfer request. However, Brighton appears ready to sell one of the standout stars of Roberto De Zerbi’s emerging team, having also allowed Alexi Mac Allister to join Liverpool earlier this month.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s pursuit of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo is a clear indication that the club is looking to overhaul its midfield engine room this summer. The Gunners’ disappointment at Thomas Partey’s form towards the end of last season has led them to pursue these two highly sought-after midfielders. While a move for Rice appears to be on the cards, a move for Caicedo is likely to prove more complicated. However, if Arsenal can land both players, they could provide the stability and creativity that the Gunners need to challenge for a top-four spot next season.