Arsenal draw up three-man summer transfer shortlist including potential relegation bargain

Arsenal have drawn up a three-man transfer shortlist for the summer, it has been claimed.

Mikel Arteta’s side continue to lead the pack with nine games remaining.

The Gunners are eight points clear at the Premier League summit, albeit having played a game more than their nearest challengers Manchester City.

Though Arsenal are on the cusp of winning their first league title since 2004, the club’s backroom staff do not appear to be resting on their laurels.

A fresh report has claimed that the Gunners have put together a three-person midfield shortlist, as they prepare for their first season of Champions League football in six years.

Arsenal’s three-man midfield shortlist

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are keen to add a central midfielder to their squad in the summer window and have drawn up a three-man shortlist.

The Gunners have allegedly identified Everton’s Amadou Onana, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and West Ham’s Declan Rice as their top three candidates.

The latter is thought to be Arteta's top target, with the club allegedly ready to submit a bid in excess of £100million for the England international. However, they would face stiff competition, with Premier League rivals Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be pursuing Rice’s signature.

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Meanwhile, Caicedo would be another expensive option, with Arsenal having already seen two bids worth up to £70million rejected for the 21-year-old back in the January transfer window.

However, Onana could come at a potential bargain if Everton are relegated.

Football Insider claim that the Toffees want £70million for the Belgian, however, should they go down his asking price could be slashed.