Arsenal are chasing a deal to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo in the closing stages of the January transfer window - but they could have alternatives to fall back on if they cannot complete the move.
Sky Sports reported earlier on Monday that the Gunners had gone back in with a £70 million bid for Caicedo, having seen an initial £60 million offer turned down by Brighton.
Their second bid has also been rejected, leaving Arsenal with little time to get a deal for the 21-year-old over the line until the window slams shut.
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Brighton have been steadfast in their refusal to allow Caicedo to leave, although Roberto De Zerbi hinted in a pre-match interview with ITV Sport on Sunday that the club would work to find the best solution for them and the player.
The comments came after the Ecuador international released a statement on social media, asking Brighton to allow him to leave the club.
If he is to stay at the Amex beyond January, here are three other deals Arsenal could pursue.
Youri Tielemans (Leicester)
Leicester star Youri Tielemans is out of contract in the summer, having yet to agree new terms with his current club.
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Arsenal have been consistently linked with the Belgian midfielder over recent months, and may be able to seal a cut-price move in January.
90min claim, as per sources, that the Gunners are keen on completing such a move as a Caicedo alternative, although it remains to be seen whether Brendan Rodgers' side would allow the 25-year-old to leave.
Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
A deal for Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi may be more practical to complete.
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The 23-year-old, who hugely impressed against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey last week, has a release clause of £52 million. Arsenal could repeat their Thomas Partey trick from two-and-a-half years ago and trigger the clause on deadline day to complete a move for a player compared to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets by Spanish media.
Amadou Onana (Everton)
The future of Everton star Amadou Onana has come under question since the sacking of now former Toffees boss Frank Lampard. RMC Sport's Sacha Tavolieri claimed that the exit could open the door for the 21-year-old to depart, with Chelsea and Arsenal interested.
Signed by Lille for £33 million in the summer, it is almost certain that Everton would command a much larger fee to sell the midfielder, particularly with the arrival of Sean Dyche as the club's new boss.
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With the Toffees in 19th place and battling to stay up, the sale of one of their star players would certainly be a backwards step - and one that surely will not happen in January.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Transfers, Football