'I can't...' - Arsenal deemed 'unlikely' to sign Rice and Caicedo this summer for key reason

Arsenal are unlikely to sign both of their priority summer targets this term, according to Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Manchester City may be a point ahead of Arsenal at the Premier League summit with a game in hand, but Mikel Arteta’s men are not surrendering their title pursuit without a fight.

Arsenal came through a significant test of character to beat high-flying Newcastle on Sunday.

While it might prove a chase in vain, Arsenal are staying hot on Manchester City's heels. Nevertheless, they have one eye on the summer, where they will look to recruit a midfielder as a priority.

The club have been linked with a move for West Ham’s Declan Rice, who enters the last year of the contract in July. Moreover, the Gunners are expected to revisit a deal for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, having seen two bids worth up to £70million for the 21-year-old in January.

Arsenal unable to sign Rice and Caicedo

According to former Aston Villa and England forward Agbonlahor, Arsenal will not have the sufficient funds to sign both Rice and Caicedo.

In an interview with Football Insider, Agbonlahor said: “Looking at Thomas Partey, he’s not been very good recently.

“I’ve watched his last few games and it seems that he doesn’t have the legs. I do think they need help in midfield. Xhaka is questionable as well, and Jorghino isn’t the answer long-term.

“I do think Declan Rice and Caicedo would be good business, a good pair – but I can’t see them spending £200m on both of them.

“It’s got to be one or the other. I think Caicedo will want to leave Brighton this summer and that new contract isn’t likely to stop that.”

Indeed, earlier this season West Ham boss David Moyes insisted Rice would cost his suitors a British record transfer fee.