MIKEL ARTETA’S table-topping Arsenal could soon be bolstered by two news additions.
The Spaniard had prioritised signing a new winger this month but saw efforts to land Mykhailo Mudryk fail after Chelsea swooped under their noses.
GettyArsenal have been linked with a huge move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice[/caption]
GettyThe Gunners are still also keen on signing Dusan Vlahovic[/caption]
The Blues paid £88million for the Ukrainian, narrowly pipping Arsenal’s own £84m bid, before offering wages worth DOUBLE the Gunners offer.
Now attention has switched elsewhere, with reports emerging that Declan Rice has been identified as Arsenal’s No.1 target.
West Ham midfield star Rice is entering the final year of his contract at the London Stadium this summer – although there is an optional extra year – and he may finally opt to jump ship.
A number of top clubs are interested in the 24-year-old, but the Gunners are ready to battle Chelsea, Manchester United and Man City for his signature.
Rice fits the mould of player targeted by Mikel Arteta in recent windows.
He is young, aggressive, and has a burning desire to play in the Champions League – something Arsenal look all but certain to be able to offer next season.
However, Arteta is also keen to bolster his attack, and he is ready to launch another move for Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian, 22, snubbed a switch to the Emirates last January when opting for Turin instead.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
But now Juventus could be tempted to let him leave due to the financial problems at the club.
It is claimed the North Londoners are preparing a £71m bid for Vlahovic, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
He’s scored 16 goals in 36 games for Juventus.
The potential arrival of both men would seriously bolster Arteta’s options, with both capable of going straight into the starting line-up.
Rice would be challenging the likes of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey for a spot in the middle.
But with Gabriel Jesus currently sidelined, Vlahovic would be expected to replace Eddie Nketiah and lead the line for the title run-in if they could get a deal over the line.
And even if they have to wait until the summer for the pair, that would still provide a huge boost for what could potentially be their title defence.
It would allow Arteta the option to switch formation from his preferred 4-3-3.
Rice and Partey could be moved to just a two with Odegaard pushed further to provide the annuminition for Vlahovic.
And even when Jesus returns, the Serb could still be the focal point with the Brazilian in attack alongside him.
Jesus often played in one of the wider forward positions during his time at Manchester City.
And even though he excelled as the main man up top earlier this term for the Gunners, he could easily slot in on the left with Saka on the other side should Vlahovic come in to form a mouthwatering attack.
