Arsenal: Mikel Arteta shortlists 3 midfielders as Declan Rice alternatives

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know already that Arsenal want to sign Declan Rice. They’ve not made their desire to sign the West Ham United midfielder any secret and it seems the feelings are reciprocated, given that Declan Rice is a big fan of what Mikel Arteta has done at Arsenal.

However, Arsenal know a little too well recently that their desires can be taken from them in an instant. Particularly when financial powerhouses are involved. With that being said, Mikel Arteta isn’t resting on his laurels and has put together a three-person shortlist should the deal for Rice fall through.

For today’s Arsenal transfer news, click here.

Arsenal shortlist 3 midfielders as Declan Rice alternatives

According to the Daily Mail, Mikel Arteta has named the 3 players he would like to sign in a backup scenario. They are as follows:

Moises Caicedo

Perhaps the most obvious one. There was even some hope that the Gunners would sign both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo. However, if the deal for Rice does fall through, I’m sure that fans will happily accept just one of the two.

Caicedo, like Rice, is a natural number 6. Given that he has experience near the top of the table this season, his winning mentality will prove vital to Arsenal as they plan to go again next season.

Ruben Neves

Another player with plenty of Premier League experience, Mikel Arteta is a fan of the stylish and slick player Ruben Neves. Having considered Neves as a cheaper backup to Rice for some months now, Arteta knows a lot about him.

Martin Zubimendi

Again, Zubimendi comes as no real surprise. Casting my mind back to January, I remember Arsenal being interested in signing him then but Sociedad didn’t allow the move. With a £56m release clause, he is also wanted by Barcelona.

Who do you think Arsenal will sign this summer?