Arsenal hand Chelsea £70m transfer warning as £100m+ Declan Rice deal nears

Arsenal are showing they mean business this summer and they are considering moving for a Chelsea target once they seal a deal for Declan Rice.

Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his Arsenal side as they look to build on their second place finish in the Premier League, which will see them compete in the Champions League next season.

As reported by Jacob Steinberg, the Gunners are now closing in on a transfer for West Ham’s Declan Rice, with talks progressing between the clubs following the Hammer’s Europa Conference League Final triumph.

West Ham, who are resigned to losing Rice, are expected to receive more than £100 million for Rice if certain add-ons are achieved, as per the report, with Arsenal not facing any issues regarding personal terms.

As Arsenal make a big statement with a big money signing, Arteta’s side aren’t finished there in the midfield department and Chelsea will now be looking over their shoulder.

Both clubs are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is expected to leave should the valuation be met. Roberto De Zerbi has already confirmed the Ecuadorian is set to depart alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who joined Liverpool last week.

Brighton are likely to command at least £70 million for the 21-year-old. Chelsea appear to have made Caicedo a priority midfield target to bolster Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but Arsenal could also join the race.

Jacob Steinberg adds Arsenal are considering bidding for Caicedo once they have signed Rice, giving Chelsea a headache due to the north London side being able to offer Champions League football.

His club and national team-mate Pervis Estupinan has accepted to ESPN that Caicedo’s future is only heading in one direction. He said: “I think that having a player of Moi’s category, many teams would like him.

“We all fear that he will leave us . As I have always talked to him, if he stays I will be very happy to play next to him, to continue enjoying his football.”