Arsenal told two signings that would compliment Declan Rice transfer

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has told his former club to pursue the signings of Moises Caicedo or his Brighton team-mate Alexis Mac Allister if they want to sign the perfect partner for Declan Rice next season. The Gunners are expected to delve back into the market for midfield reinforcements in the summer despite landing Jorginho in a £12million deal from London rivals Chelsea.

Rice is expected to be up for grabs in the summer when he enters the final 12 months of his contract with West Ham.

The England international has rejected several contract offers from the Hammers and the Irons will now be forced to consider bids to avoid losing the player on a free transfer in 2024.

Yet in the view of Petit, Rice isn’t the only midfielder Arsenal should be looking to sign at the end of the campaign to build on this season’s progress.

The Frenchman told BoyleSports: “I’m a big fan of Declan Rice. It is time for him to leave West Ham and play at a higher level to reach his potential. He needs to play in important competitions every single season if he wants to improve and move on to the next stage. I think that he is struggling at West Ham and he does not have a good environment to adapt and improve.

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Arsenal launched two bids for Brighton ace Caicedo in the January transfer window but both approaches were rebuffed by the Seagulls.

There is now a sense Albion could soften their stance over a sale at the end of the season when Caicedo will once again look to move on.

There is also expected to be large interest in World Cup winner Mac Allister, whose stock has sky-rocketed following his impressive showing in Qatar.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham are also believed to be interested in the 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who signed a new contract with Brighton before the World Cup.

Arsenal have just handed Mohamed Elneny a new contract meaning Mikel Arteta is stacked with options in the middle of the park following the January arrival of Jorginho.

Thomas Partey has endured several fitness issues this season and therefore, Arsenal could still look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park even if nobody departs.

It’s unclear whether Brighton are prepared to sell both Caicedo and Mac Allister in the same transfer window and Caicedo looks the more likely to depart after he tried to force through a move last month.

Rice is likely to cost upwards of £100million which could limit Arsenal’s spending if they are to pursue a transfer.