Report shares Arsenal’s plan surrounding Declan Rice after Mikel Arteta transfer comments

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Arsenal want Declan Rice in the summer and their pursuit of the West Ham United star won’t stop them from signing a midfielder right now.

That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim that Rice is Arsenal’s top target for the summer transfer window.

However, Arsenal won’t prevent themselves from signing a midfielder right now with Mikel Arteta keen on a new signing.

Mohamed Elneny has picked up a knee injury and missed games against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

The Egyptian looks set to miss a number of upcoming games and Arteta knows that Arsenal now need additional cover, as he told Arseblog on Wednesday.

Everton’s Amadou Onana has been heavily linked but the cost of signing him may well dent the summer budget for a proven player like Rice.

Balancing the two plans isn’t easy but it seems that Arsenal are ready to sign somebody right now and then go for Rice too.

Who can Arsenal sign now amid plans to wait for Declan Rice?

Rice certainly won’t be moving to Arsenal this month with West Ham reluctant to let him go in the middle of the season.

Arsenal must now try to find somebody who can do a job for them now and not break the bank.

Moises Caicedo is mentioned in the Telegraph’s report but it’s hard to imagine a deal for him happening in the coming days.

Juventus ace Weston McKennie has been heavily linked over the last 24 hours or so.

Corriere Dello Sport report that Arsenal have been making moves to try and hijack Leeds United’s move for McKennie.

The American international is seemingly available and Arsenal are looking into a move.

McKennie isn’t really a lone holding midfield player though and has played more of a box-to-box role in his career.

Arteta may well see potential in McKennie to play that role whilst also offering competition for Granit Xhaka further forward.

McKennie would cost about half the price of Rice, but a loan-to-buy deal – which would be ideal for Arsenal – may now be tricky with Leeds placing cash on the table.

A loan signing would be ideal, giving Arsenal immediate cover for Thomas Partey to then clear the way for Rice to come in – and it’s now over to Edu to find another anchor man before the deadline.