Arsenal transfer latest: £35m Declan Rice alternative identified, 13-goal winger on the radar

Arsenal’s chances of securing their first Premier League title in 19 years hang in the balance after their 4-1 loss to Manchester City earlier this week.

While there is still a battle on the pitch to take part in, there is also the matter of where Mikel Arteta will look for reinforcements once the transfer window opens. Here are the latest updates surrounding Arsenal’s potential incomings and outgoings this summer.

£35 million Declan Rice alternative identified

While it’s no secret that Arsenal are interested in securing Rice’s signature this summer, his hefty £100 million price tag doesn’t appear to be up for discussion with West Ham. With that being said, the Gunners are looking for alternative options and are reportedly looking to hijack Liverpool’s pursuit of Kalvin Phillips. The Reds are looking to pay £35 million for the midfielder.

According to football.london, Arsenal are also monitoring the situation with Phillips, whose move to Manchester City last summer has been less than successful.

Arsenal could sign £70 million target for potentially half the price

Another name on Arsenal’s radar is Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, who is also being monitored by Real Madrid and West Ham.The Nigerian winger is under contract with the La Liga side until next summer, and he comes with a handsome €80 million (£70m) release clause.

However, if new terms are not agreed between the club and player, Villarreal will reportedly be forced to sell him for €40-50m (£35-44m) to avoid losing him for free, according to Estádio Deportivo. Chukwueze has contributed a very impressive 13 goals and 11 assists for Villarreal this season, and naturally has received a great deal of interest.

RB Leipzig close interest in signing Folarin Balogun

RB Leipzig have closed their interest in signing Folarin Balogun, as they deem his asking price too high. That’s according to Philipp Hinze of Sky Sports, who states that Arsenal are firm on their €40 million (£35m) price tag.

Balogun has spent this season out on loan with Ligue 1 side Stade Reims, and has netted an impressive 18 goals. But despite making a strong case for himself, Leipzig cannot afford his transfer fee and it remains to be seen whether he will receive more game time under Arteta moving forward.