Double Trouble: Can Arsenal Afford to Make a £200m Transfer Splash While Axing Key Midfielder?

Former Aston Villa striker, Gabby Agbonlahor has cast doubt over Arsenal’s chances of pursuing a double deal for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and West Ham’s Declan Rice this summer, despite the Gunners’ need to strengthen their midfield.

Agbonlahor believes that Arsenal need an upgrade in their engine room and that their current midfielders, including Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, and Jorghino, do not possess the necessary quality to compete at the top level of European football.

Although Caicedo signed a new long-term contract with Brighton, Arsenal is expected to make another play for the Ecuadorian midfielder, with his price tag having rocketed to £100 million.

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The Gunners are also confident of landing Declan Rice, but the Hammers are unlikely to let their skipper leave for anything less than £100m.

Agbonlahor doubts whether Arsenal will attempt to sign both Caicedo and Rice, but he does believe that the Gunners need a significant upgrade in central midfield if they want to challenge for top honors next season.

He thinks that Caicedo and Rice would be a good pair, but he can’t see Arsenal spending £200m on both of them.

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Agbonlahor also expressed concerns over Partey’s recent performances, stating that the midfielder has not been very good lately and suggesting that he may not have the legs for the Premier League.

Xhaka is also questionable, and Jorghino is not a long-term solution for Arsenal’s midfield.

Caicedo is more of a box-to-box midfielder than Rice, although the England international has improved that aspect of his game this season.

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Agbonlahor believes that Caicedo will want to leave Brighton this summer, regardless of his new contract.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen which direction Mikel Arteta will take to improve Arsenal’s midfield. The Gunners will face Newcastle United today, looking to close the gap on league leaders Manchester City.