Arsenal want to sign Declan Rice this year

Arsenal are determined to land Chelsea target Declan Rice this summer regardless of their ongoing pursuit of Moises Caicedo.

The Gunners recently made an opening bid of £60m for Caicedo and they are planning to make a fresh proposal for his services.

It is anticipated that Brighton will settle for around £80m for the 21-year-old. Regardless of the outlay, Arsenal remain keen on Rice.

According to The Telegraph, the Gunners will prioritise a marquee midfielder this summer even if they pay a record fee for Caicedo.

Rice is obviously the main priority for manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners are optimistic about beating Chelsea to his signature.

Chelsea are long-term admirers of the England star, who was in their academy and they are likely to step up their transfer interest.

However, Arsenal may have a distinct advantage over them in the race, particularly if they qualify for the Champions League next term.

The Blues are currently on course to miss out on the European competition. They are 10 points behind the top four in the league standings.