Arsenal have identified two alternative options if Caicedo bid fails including 'sensational' talent

Arsenal have identified two transfer alternatives to Moises Caicedo if they cannot sign the Brighton midfielder in January, according to reports.

The Gunners placed a £60 million bid for the 21-year-old on Friday, which was swiftly rejected by Brighton. Their stance, as per The Athletic's David Ornstein, is that Caicedo is not for sale in January.

The midfielder has made 18 Premier League appearances this term, filling the vacancy in central midfield left by Yves Bissouma's departure to Tottenham.

And the Ecuador international, who played all three of his nation's World Cup games, has hugely impressed. A mobile ball-winning midfielder, Caicedo's energy, stamina and ball carrying abilities all make him a perfect fit for Roberto De Zerbi's system.

It is understandable, therefore, that Brighton do not want to sell, having already rejected a £55 million bid from Chelsea earlier in the window.

But the Gunners have seemingly settled on alternatives in midfield should Caicedo not arrive at the Emirates Stadium this month.

Arsenal 'draw up midfield alternatives' after Caicedo bid

According to The Sun, Arsenal have lined up Everton's Amadou Onana and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi as potential midfield additions in January.

Onana only moved to the Premier League from Lille for £33 million last summer, and has impressed despite Everton's struggles this season.

After the sacking of Frank Lampard, RMC Sport's Sacha Tavolieri claimed that there is an opening for a potential exit for the 24-year-old Belgian international, and the Gunners could launch a late bid to sign him.

Zubimendi, has impressed in midfield for Real Sociedad this season, and according to Spanish outlet AS, Barcelona view him as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets, with Xavi calling him a 'great player'.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso described him as a 'player all coaches want' (via Irish Mirror), and praised his reading of the play from deep areas.

Sociedad are said to have told Arsenal that they must pay the £53 million release clause contained in the defensive midfielder's contract if they are to sign a player dubbed 'sensational' by Mundo Deportivo, making the 23-year-old Spaniard a cheaper alternative to Caicedo if the Gunners wish to go down that route.

Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.