Liverpool to battle Arsenal for midfield targets after Bellingham collapse

James Shearman

• 13 Apr 2023 11:30 CDT
• 1 min read

Liverpool missing out on signing Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham could spell bad news for Arsenal during this summer's transfer window.

It is widely reported that the Reds have given up on their pursuit of Bellingham, who is deemed to be too expensive to sign this summer. According to the Mirror, this has resulted in Jurgen Klopp turning his attention to other midfielders in the form of Brighton's Moises Caicedo and West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

It is claimed that there has been 'contact' with the Seagulls over Caicedo, as well as 'discreet enquiring' to the Hammers regarding Ricec, both of which are valued at 'well over £75 million'. Rice remains Arsenal's priority for the summer transfer window, football.london understands as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, the Gunners had bids worth £60 million and £70 million rejected for Caicedo back in January before eventually signing Jorginho instead. It remains to be seen if the Gunners will pursue the Ecuadorian international again at the end of the current campaign but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently reported that their interest has not gone away despite their overarching desire to prise Rice away from east London.

Speaking on his YouTube channel last month, Romano said: " Remember my words, Caicedo remains a target after the discussions they had during the January transfer window. Caicedo is in the list again at Arsenal and Romeo Lavia is a player they are following.”