Former Arsenal defender turned professional Lee Dixon claims Arsenal usually are not “actually ” in West Ham United’s Declan Rice and are as a substitute utilizing him as a “smokescreen” whereas different targets.

Regardless of shopping for Jorginho on deadline day this winter, the north London membership are stated to be trying to usher in a brand new midfielder to spice up the engine room on the finish of this season.

It has been broadly instructed that Rice – who seems to be eyeing a departure from West Ham subsequent summer season with a purpose to take the following step in his profession – is Arsenal’s main goal and so they have already contacted the England participant’s representatives a few potential summer season deal.

Nonetheless, quoted in Football LondonDixon stated he didn’t suppose Arsenal have been really seeking to signal Rice subsequent summer season, and as a substitute Arsenal have been utilizing him as a “smokescreen” whereas they discover different choices.

Dixon additionally says that though the midfielder is an excellent participant, Rice’s £100m price ticket from West Ham is unrealistic as a result of the England worldwide shouldn’t be price that a lot. So, Arsenal won’t spend £100m luring the 24-year-old away from the London Stadium.

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Dixon stated:

“I do not suppose Arsenal pays £100m. I do not suppose Rice is price £100m to be sincere. I believe West Ham would need greater than that. I do not know who Arsenal are .

“However based mostly on how they’ve recruited thus far, I might counsel they’ve replacements. Rice could be a smokescreen, and so they’re probably not that .”

“I believe he is a very good participant however I am not satisfied he’ll be at Arsenal subsequent season.”

When requested which Arsenal id he ought to signal with a purpose to bolster their midfield, the previous defender stated Moises Caicedo could be an ideal match for the north London membership.

Dixon stated:

“I like Caicedo. Caicedo positively fits Arsenal. I believe he is a very good participant.”

The Brighton & Hove Albion man wouldn’t be an inexpensive alternative for Arsenal because it has been instructed the Seagulls desire a payment of round 90 million pounds sterling To let their star go away in the summertime.

Caicedo has additionally been on the Gunners’ radar in current months as they tried to purchase him this winter and made two official bids price round £70m, however the deal by no means materialized. Due to this fact, they selected to signal Jorginho instead possibility.

Nonetheless, it was earlier than mentioned For the Brighton participant to stay on Arteta’s want record, the Spanish coach’s crew might renew their curiosity in signing him in the summertime.

Due to this fact, it stays to be seen if Arsenal will be capable to signal Rice or Caicedo on the finish of this season to bolster their engine room for the following season.