28 June 2023 , 05:00
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is planning a complete revamp of his midfield ahead of a renewed Premier League title bid next season.
West Ham star Declan Rice is Arteta's top target and he has sold his vision to the 24-year-old, who has made Arsenal his preferred destination despite interest from Manchester City. Kai Havertz is also close to completing a £65m switch from Chelsea, with Arteta looking to utilise him as a No8 rather than the false nine role he typically played for the Blues.
Speaking earlier this week, Arteta opened up about his interest in signing Havertz, telling Spanish outlet Marca : "Talent comes at a price, and at Arsenal we are always interested in youngsters with experience.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Visionhaus via Getty Images)"I repeat, I'm not talking about players from other clubs, but in the case of Kai he has already shown a lot, including in the Champions League. He is a talented player, versatile and only 24 years old."
However, Arteta's plans do not stop there, with Arsenal ready to revisit their interest in Moises Caicedo if Thomas Partey is sold. Arsenal attempted to sign Caicedo back in January, but Brighton stood firm and the 22-year-old ended up signing a new contract despite publicly asking to leave.
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Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has already admitted he expects Caicedo to leave this summer, stating after their final game of the season: "I think that can be the last game of Alexis [Mac Allister] and Moises, I'm really sorry.
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo (Getty Images)"They can play in every competition and are ready to compete for a big team and I hope for them they can play in the best team in the world." Mac Allister has since made a move to Liverpool and the Telegraph report that Arsenal are targeting Caicedo as a potential replacement for Partey.
The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, with Serie A giants Juventus and a number of mega-rich Saudi clubs said to be interested in his services. However, Arsenal will face heavy competition from Chelsea if they make a move for Caicedo, with the Telegraph adding that the Blues have been forced to wait until players are sold before stepping up their pursuit of the Ecuadorian international.
Chelsea have now begun to make some sales, with defender Kalidou Koulibaly joining Al Hilal for a reported £17m and midfielder Mateo Kovacic completing a £25m move to Manchester City, meaning the Blues may now be able to make a move for Caicedo.