The summer transfer window of 2023 looks set to be dominated by one theme across the top clubs and that's the midfield department. A whole host of sides are looking to revamp their central ranks in the coming weeks as part of a great shift in the current market.
Amongst those are both Chelsea and Arsenal, who have several issues to deal with in their squads before the 2023/24 Premier League season. For the Blues, there's a key emphasis on outgoings early on, ensuring that the squad can be trimmed down to a manageable size for new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
An exit has already been confirmed for N'Golo Kante, while Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic have all agreed moves to other clubs. That's just the start of an exodus for the west London club, who could also see Mason Mount, Trevoh Chalobah, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, Conor Gallagher and Christian Pulisic leave in the next few months.
Should those moves go through, a few areas will have to be addressed, with the need for a striker, some wingers and perhaps more crucially, midfielders. Enzo Fernandez could be left as the sole option this summer, should a host of exits ensue, meaning there's a clear need for reinforcements.
football.london understands that Brighton star Moises Caicedo is a priority for the Blues this summer window, with confidence that a deal can be struck. A move for Declan Rice looks unlikely though, despite long-term interest, with the West Ham captain desiring Champions League football.
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That's where Arsenal come in as football.london understands that the Gunners identify Rice as a top priority target for the summer window. The Gunners face competition for the England international, with Manchester City lodging an initial bid to the Hammers in the past day.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that the saga doesn't draw out too long, with personal terms already agreed with the 24-year-old over a switch. That could be sped up if West Ham identify a replacement in the coming days, with one option available thanks to their rivals Chelsea.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Irons are monitoring a move for Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria as a possible replacement for Rice this summer. The midfielder is not part of the Bianconeri's plans for the future, having recently spent the previous season on loan with Chelsea.
The Blues opted against pursuing a move for the Switzerland international after his loan spell came to an end, with a bid unlikely as other targets are assessed. It could put Arsenal in the perfect position to make their own swoop for Rice quickly before City catch up to them.
