Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners locked in battle for Ruben Neves; club eyeing Ajax youngster, and more - May 9, 2023

Arsenal still have a chance of securing the Premier League this season. Mikel Arteta's men are second after 35 games, a point behind leaders Manchester City who have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are locked in a three-way battle for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves. Elsewhere, the north London side have set their sights on an Ajax youngster.

On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on May 9, 2023:

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Arsenal locked in battle for Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves has become hot property in Europe.

Arsenal are in a three-horse race with Manchester United and Liverpool for Ruben Neves, according to Sport.

The Portuguese midfielder has been one of the stars of Wolverhampton Wanderers recently but is likely to take the next step in his career this summer. Arteta is keen to upgrade his options in midfield at the end of the season and is looking at multiple options ahead of the summer.

West Ham United star Declan Rice remains a priority target, but Arteta is keeping his options open. Neves is a long-term target for the Gunners, who could do with a player of his calibre in the centre of the park. However, the north London side could face competition from the Red Devils and Liverpool for the 26-year-old.

Neves also has admirers at the Camp Nou, too, which could put a dampener in Arsenal's summer plans.

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Gunners eyeing Devyne Rensch

Devyne Rensch is wanted at the Emirates.

Arsenal are interested in Devyne Rensch, according to Football Insider. The Dutch right-back has burst into the scene at Ajax this season and has registered three goals and an assist in 33 games across competitions. His efforts have earned him admirers at the Emirates. The Gunners are on the hunt for a new right-back this summer and have the 20-year-old on their agenda.

The north London side have utlised Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the right-back role this season, but Arteta desires an upgrade on the pair.

Arsenal want White as cover for the centre-back position next season and were previously eyeing Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda to address the situation. However, with Borussia Dortmund emerging as frontrunners for the Spaniard, the Gunners have set their sights on Rensch.

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Arsenal could struggle to sign Moises Caicedo, says Dharmesh Sheth

Moises Caicedo has admirers at the Emirates.

Arsenal are likely to struggle to secure the services of Moises Caicedo, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Ecuadorian remains a target for the Gunners ahead of the summer, when they are expected to invest in the midfield.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Sheth said that Declan Rice is the north London side's priority target this summer. He also added that Brighton & Hove Albion are under no pressure to sell Caicedo.

"Declan Rice seems to be the one who's the primary target. Will they go back in for Moisés Caicedo, or will other clubs start to test Brighton's resolve as well? I mean, I think the noises coming from Brighton, especially from their chief executive Paul Barber, is that there's no release clause in the new contract that Moises Caicedo has signed," said Sheth.

He added:

"So Brighton are under no real pressure again to sell Moises Caicedo at all. And if you look at what they're doing so far this season, I mean a top-four finish, I know it's going to be a big ask, but that can't be ruled out 100% just now."

Sheth added that Brighton's recent rise could tempt Caicedo to stay at the Amex beyond the summer.

"And maybe the ambitions of someone like Moises Caicedo and others might be served at Brighton. They've had an absolutely fantastic season; they've got a fantastic manager. So you can't rule out Brighton being in a position where they suddenly say, 'No, no. We're fine, actually. We're going to start keeping these players that are being linked with all of these clubs,'" said Sheth.

He concluded:

"But we do know that every player has a price and Brighton. They will strike a hard bargain. They always have, and so if any of their players are going to leave, it will be on their terms, and they will get the money that they want."

Arsenal also have their eyes on Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.