Five alternatives for Arsenal if they lose out on Declan Rice transfer to Man City

Five alternatives for Arsenal if they lose out on Declan Rice transfer to Man City,Manchester City has seemingly stolen all momentum in the race to sign Declan Rice, but Arsenal have a number of impressive alternatives worth targeting if they miss out

Five alternatives for Arsenal if they lose out on Declan Rice transfer to Man City

Arsenal's summer pursuit of Declan Rice looks like it could end in tears after Manchester City marched into pole position for West Ham's £100million-rated midfielder.

Pep Guardiola's side look set to sign Rice just as Ilkay Gundogan's seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium draws to a close. And despite Arsenal's long-held interest in the player, it's City who are reportedly 'close to buying' Rice as the Gunners head back to the drawing board.

Mikel Arteta has midfield needs of his own this summer, with Granit Xhaka closely linked to Bayer Leverkusen and reports suggesting Thomas Partey will leave. Potential alternatives are already being taken off the table, too, with Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte joining Paris Saint-Germain and Spain's Martin Zubimendi – previously said to be on Arsenal's radar – reportedly content at Real Sociedad.

There's a lot of Rice-like talent left to be plucked from the field, however, and Daily Star Sport dissects some of those more realistic options in Arsenal's midst.

READ MORE: Jack Grealish drops cheeky Declan Rice transfer hint with West Ham and Man City video

1. Ibrahim Sangare

PSV talisman Ibrahim Sangare looks ready for a step up in competition (Image: NESimages/Perry vd Leuvert/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

After three years at PSV, Ibrahim Sangare is looking ripe and ready for what seems an inevitable step up in surroundings. The former Toulouse talisman has elevated his game beyond that of a traditional defensive midfielder in Eindhoven, illustrated by his return of five goals in 29 Eredivisie outings last season.

The 25-year-old averaged 7.58 progressive passes per 90 minutes in the Netherlands' top flight last season, though his ability to carry effectively isn't on quite on Rice's level. A deal for Sangare – who has nine goals in 30 appearances for the Ivory Coast – could be complicated by the fact he signed a new contract until 2027 just last year.

2. Moises Caicedo

The name on most Arsenal fan's lips during in January, a move for Brighton's Moises Caicedo could be revived this summer. The Seagulls have already sold World Cup-winner Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool for £35m, but it's reported the south-coast club would want more than double that for Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian has received rave reviews for his composure under pressure, an increasingly desirable trait in the press-heavy patterns that have become rife in football. Brighton were wise to tie Caicedo down to a new four-year deal after rebuffing Chelsea's advances in the winter, though Arsenal may still be tempted to plump for the South American, who boasts a very similar skill set to Rice.

Who would be your first pick as Arsenal's Declan Rice alternative? Let us know in the comments section below.

3. Romeo Lavia

Ex-Manchester City youth Romeo Lavia looks like a star in the making (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

City have become so accustomed to snatching talent from under Arsenal's noses, it might be time for the Gunners to return the favour with a move for Romeo Lavia. The Belgium international left the Etihad for Southampton last year in a deal costing around £10m and has grasped his chance at first-team minutes with both hands.

Despite being just 19 years of age and missing eight games due to a hamstring injury, the Brussels native was still omnipresent for the Saints in their relegation season, with only two outfielders clocking more minutes in the Premier League. Lavia has displayed a knack for worming his way out of pressure in front of his defence before setting team-mates loose upfield – exactly the kind of criteria Arsenal are in the market for.

4. Edson Alvarez

Edson Alvarez's Ajax contract is due to expire in 2025 (Image: Raymond Smit/NESImages/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Another Eredivisie talent with plenty of upside is Ajax's Edson Alvarez, who fits the bill as a more budget-friendly option depending on the rest of Arsenal's spending this summer. The Mexico international has a deal in Amsterdam until 2025, and Bild reported Borussia Dortmund lodged a £30m offer for the player earlier in June – though Ajax are said to be seeking closer to £43m.

In terms of why Alvarez would make a good fit in north London, the player's passing proficiency stands out as elite, with only a handful of stars bettering his 88.9% completion rate in the Eredivisie last term. He also averaged 77.3 passes per league game last term, and it just so happens the only player to beat that mark, Jurrien Timber (80.2) is also being pursued by Arsenal at present.

5. Amadou Onana

Amadou Onana was a towering force in his Premier League debut season (Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

One of the key constants for Everton last season as they secured another year of Premier League football, Amadou Onana made a considerable contribution in his first year among England's top flight. Like Rice, Onana has experience playing in central defence but has looked comfortable just about anywhere through that central column.

The Toffees signed the player from Lille just last year for an initial £33m, and despite his importance at Goodison, Everton may not be in a position to turn down an offer of significant interest. Standing 6'4" and still just 21 years of age, the Belgium international is a long-term project but already looking at ease in the Premier League.