Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar continue work behind-the-scenes in improving Arsenal's squad ahead of the 2023/24 season. Having finished second in the Premier League and qualified for the Champions League, there is immense pressure on the summer window.
West Ham star Declan Rice is a priority target at London Colney, football.london understands. The Gunners are preparing a bid for the England international, though it is thought to be distant in valuation between the two parties.
At the current time of writing, Arsenal are favourites to sign Rice - despite interest from Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea. But alternatives to the 24-year-old are on standby should a deal fail to be agreed.
READ MORE: Folarin Balogun transfer decision made that could mean Arsenal miss out on $44m deal
Chelsea's decision to pull out of the race for Sporting CP Manuel Ugarte means Moises Caicedo looks destined to be next on Mauricio Pochettino's list. The next name said to be on the Gunners' midfield wishlist is Real Sociedad Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard was linked with a late move to the Premier League in January, but his preference was to remain at Sociedad. "Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. Here I am happy," he said.
After helping Txuri-Urdinak reach the Champions League with a fourth-place finish in La Liga, Zubimendi is once again linked with a move away. Barcelona have seemed many people's favourites to sign the 24-year-old over Arsenal, but that could be about to change.
According to Sport, Wolves captain Ruben Neves is set to join Barca after months of speculation. The Portuguese is thought to be signing a four-year deal in Spain, with Ansu Fati set to move the other way to Wolves.
Fati was once tipped to be one of the world's greatest after breaking through the La Masia academy. The 20-year-old, though, has endured an injury-hit career so far and has seen his value plummet.
The report claims Barcelona boss Xavi prefers Zubimendi, though his £53million ($65.9m) price tag is proving too expensive for a club riddled with financial restrictions.
Neves' move to the Nou Camp will ease the competition for Arsenal in their bid to bolster Arteta's midfield. Whilst Rice remains the priority at London Colney, Zubimendi remains an alternative amid the increased likelihood that Granit Xhaka will leave the club.
READ NEXT:
Ilkay Gundogan makes major Arsenal transfer decision prior to Man City vs Man Utd FA Cup final
Mikel Arteta and Edu line up ideal Arsenal repeat with preparations under way for huge year
Mason Mount, La Liga wonderkid and Bayern star among six bargain transfers Arsenal can seal
Arsenal make £17m move to solve Mikel Arteta's Takehiro Tomiyasu right-back issue
Arsenal have clear pathway to Oleksandr Zinchenko transfer plan amid Bayern Munich battle
