Arsenal 'compile six-player transfer shortlist' including 'priority target' Declan Rice

Arsenal have compiled a six-man summer transfer shortlist, according to a new report - with Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby among their top targets.

The Gunners also remain interested in signing 'priority target' Declan Rice from West Ham, with Daily Mail reporter Sami Mokbel claiming the shortlist is part of a 'costly summer recruitment drive' sanctioned by the club's board.

Arsenal spent over £100 million on transfers last summer, and backed that up with the signings of Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Jorginho in January.

Now, the Gunners are looking to refresh their squad again ahead of a campaign that will see them play Champions League football for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

And Diaby, once described as 'like lightning with a run-up' by Leverkusen themselves, is claimed to be a 'lead target' for the club, with Arsenal previously having been linked with making a move for the France international winger in January.

After scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists in the Bundesliga last term, the 23-year-old has backed up those figures with nine goals and seven assists this season.

Which other players are on Arsenal's shortlist?

Mokbel claims that Arsenal are also considering a move for Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, who is out of contract at Selhurst Park this summer.

However, it is added that a swoop for the 30-year-old will only be made if they cannot secure the signature of Diaby.

Southampton's Romeo Lavia and Brighton's Moises Caicedo are claimed to be alternatives to Rice if successful negotiations are unable to be completed with West Ham.

One of those deals may be much easier to secure than the other. Caicedo signed a new long-term deal with Brighton earlier this year, after the Seagulls rejected two bids from Arsenal in January.

Lavia is likely to be much more attainable, especially if Southampton are relegated from the Premier League - but Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked with potential moves. City have a buy-back clause contained in the Belgian's contract after selling him to the Saints last summer, but it reportedly only becomes active in 2024.

Also on the list is Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has impressed since his permanent departure from Chelsea in the summer of 2021.

The Daily Mail claimed on Monday that the Gunners were keen on signing the 22-year-old to add more depth to their defence - although the defender has three years left on the five-year contract he signed at Palace.