Arsenal ‘draw up three-man midfield shortlist for summer transfer window’

Arsenal have reportedly drawn up a three-man midfield shortlist for this summer’s transfer window consisting of Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Amadou Onana.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit top of the Premier League standings and are on course for their first league title since the 2003-04 campaign under the stewardship of Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners have fielded a consistent midfield trio this season, with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey operating as the defensive pairing behind playmaker Martin Odegaard.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal have identified three players who could bolster their midfield ranks ahead of next season, with West Ham United’s Rice, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Caicedo and Everton’s Onana making the list.

England international Rice is said to be the Gunners’ preferred transfer target this summer, although the club are long-term admirers of both Onana and Caicedo.

The reports claims that Arsenal are aware of the serious amount of competition they will face in securing the services of 24-year-old Rice, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea also interested in the Hammers’ man.

The Gunners continue their title charge with a trip to Anfield to face Jurgen Klopp’s Reds on Sunday afternoon – Arteta’s side could be 11 points clear in the race for the Premier League crown by the end of the week.