Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta has 3-man shortlist to help Declan Rice

Mikel Arteta will lead Arsenal in the Premier League next season

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Mikel Arteta has reportedly drawn up a three-player shortlist to add quality to his Arsenal's midfield (Credit: Imago)

Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta has 3-man shortlist to help Declan Rice

Seye Omidiora 08:59 - 19.07.2024

The Gunners boss is reportedly considering three players to add depth to his midfield.

Arsenal have reportedly pinpointed three players to add depth to their midfield for the upcoming season. 

Arsenal’s current midfield options

The Gunners are said to be on the hunt for a long-term midfield partner for Declan Rice, who joined the Gunners for a hefty £105 million last summer after helping West Ham United to the Conference League title. 

Rice enjoyed a productive debut season alongside Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard. However, Arsenal fell short of Premier League glory once again, finishing runners-up to Manchester City for the second consecutive year.

Declan Rice
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz | Imago

Arsenal’s midfield targets

According to The Athletic, Mikel Arteta is keen on Benfica's Joao Neves, but the North London club are unlikely to meet the Portugal international's £100 million release clause. 

With that hefty fee a significant hurdle, the Gunners are considering the Real Sociedad pair of Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, both of whom were members of Spain's successful Euro 2024 squad, with Merino notching the winning goal against Germany in the quarter-finals

The report states that Merino has a £55 million release clause while Zubimendi could be available for £51 million. 

What comes next?

Arsenal landing a new midfielder could hinge on selling Partey, with the Ghana international's contract having one more year to run, and the Gunners will consider letting the 31-year-old leave for £30 million. 

However, the Gunners will retain their current options if their plans to acquire said targets do not materialise. 

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17. 

Meanwhile, Martin Zubimendi net worth is a testament to his burgeoning career and impressive talent in the world of football.