Declan Rice tops a list of three midfielders who Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has earmarked ahead of the summer transfer window.
But with the Gunners searching for a new midfield linchpin, Granit Xhaka's future has come under the spotlight. Mirror Football understands that Xhaka, 30, is wanted by German side Bayer Leverkusen, who know that he only has a year left on his Arsenal contract, plus the option of a further 12 months.
The now matured Switzerland captain has been an integral figure in Arteta and co's title charge this season, but he could decide to leave the Emirates this summer if the Gunners bring in a long-term successor. West Ham star Rice is No.1 on Arsenal's shortlist, but there are two more midfielders from the Premier League being eyed.
Brighton ace Moises Caicedo, who Arsenal attempted to buy in January but were priced out of a move for, is an option as well as Chelsea stalwart N'Golo Kante. The Gunners have no issue in signing players from London rivals Chelsea like Kante, as demonstrated by their January acquisition of Jorginho after failing to sign Caicedo.
The highly-rated Ecuadorian, 21, has since signed a new four-year deal with Brighton but hasn't ruled out a big-money transfer in the summer months. Ahead of losing an FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United in April, Caicedo told the Telegraph: "I'm sure I'm going to have many more opportunities. That's why I continue to do things well [at Brighton].
Discussing Arsenal's interest, Caicedo added: "I'd seen a lot of them before knowing that there was a possibility of me signing for them. watched them and I liked them because they have very young, talented players and some stars but they always have that mindset of wanting more."
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Nevertheless, Rice is who Arteta wants most out of the three targets, but he'll cost a pretty penny. Speaking after the England international captained West Ham to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Man United on Sunday, boss David Moyes declared: "He is going to be extremely expensive if anybody comes calling."
As for Xhaka's future, it was widely reported in March that the Gunners had decided to trigger the Swiss' one-year extension clause which would keep him in North London until 2025. But Europa League semi-finals Leverkusen haven't deterred their interest, hoping to snap Xhaka up for a cut-price transfer fee given his age and contract situation.
The ex-Borussia Monchengladbach prodigy has been an Arsenal player since 2016, having been signed by Arsene Wenger in a deal worth £35million. Xhaka, greatly respected by the Gunners following a tumultuous first few years, was close to linking up with Jose Mourinho at Roma two years ago, but Arteta convinced him to stay.
It seems that'll he'll have to do the same this summer, especially if Rice, Caicedo or Kante rocks up.
