Arsenal identify ‘top three’ targets including £70m Brighton man and ‘interest’ shown in Real Madrid ace

Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City set the pace in the early kick off yesterday as they beat Liverpool 4-1 in the first top flight domestic action since the international break.

It was over to Arsenal to reestablish their eight point lead at the top of the Premier League table at 3pm and they did just that with a 4-1 win of their own over Leeds United. Meanwhile, there has been plenty of transfer news going on behind the scenes as the rumour mill keeps turning.

The Gunners are said to have ‘identified’ three players they believe could improve their midfield in the summer and all of them are current Premier League stars. Elsewhere, the North London side are being credited with an interest in a Real Madrid star but would apparently have to stump up over £50m before Los Blancos would consider letting him leave. Here are the latest Arsenal transfer news stories on Sunday, April 2:

Arsenal’s ‘three-man shopping list’ revealed including £70m Brighton star

Per a report from Football Insider, Arsenal have drawn up a shortlist of three midfield targets for the upcoming summer transfer window. Those three men are Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, West Ham’s Declan Rice and Everton’s Amadou Onana. The Gunners were widely reported as having a £70m bid for Caicedo rejected in January but could return for the Seagulls’ ace in the next window.

Onana is another player that Arsenal are said to have ‘admired’ for a long time while Declan Rice’s future is expected to be one of the biggest talking points at the end of this season. Previous reports have suggested that the Gunners are in fact prepared to table a £100m bid for Rice that would meet West Ham’s valuation of the England international.

Arsenal ‘interested’ in Real Madrid star but Spanish side won’t sell cheap

Arsenal are interested in signing Real Madrid left back Ferland Mendy this summer, according to Spanish publication Fichajes. However, Los Blancos will not be selling the Frenchman on the cheap and it is claimed they will only let him go if their £50m plus valuation is met.

It is also claimed that Newcastle United are keen on the defender as are Manchester City. Although Mendy would be a major signing for the North London side and an interest in a player with his pedigree is understandable, the Gunners already have strength in depth at left back so it seems unlikely they would prioritise a big money signing for that position.