Arsenal focused on Rice & Havertz deals, NOT Caicedo

James Shearman

• Updated: 15 Jun 2023 20:31 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal are more likely to complete deals for Declan Rice and Kai Havertz than Moises Caicedo, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist is reporting that the Gunners' 'focus remains on Rice and Havertz', rather than the Brighton midfielder, who looks like signing for London rivals Chelsea.

Romano added that the Blues have 'always been frontrunners [to sign Caicedo] despite rumours of an Arsenal bid in the last weeks'.

READ: Arsenal risk losing wonderkid as Chelsea and Man City move in

Rice to Arsenal?

Arsenal have been considered the clear favourites to land the England international for months and - as FootballTransfers have been exclusively reporting - the player is keen on a move to the Emirates.

Our sources have indicated that the Gunners' made a first proposal in the region of £80 million (€93m), which is some way short of West Ham's valuation - north of €100m. So, Arsenal will have to make an improved offer. But there could be a twist in the tale now.

According to the Athletic, Manchester City have now joined the transfer battle to sign the 24-year-old, which could blow this race wide open.

Havertz to Arsenal?

Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Havertz from Chelsea, FootballTransfers can confirm, but the two clubs have yet to agree on a transfer fee. It is believed the Blues want around £70m for the player.

FootballTransfers has been told by sources close to the deal that personal terms have already been agreed between the Gunners and the Germany international attacker, but there still remains a £15m gulf between the club’s valuations of the forward.

Reports of a potential deal emerged on Wednesday, for the 24-year-old who has struggled to live up to his £75 million (€80m) price tag at Stamford Bridge since signing on a five-year contract from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2020.