Arsenal have reportedly lined up Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana as a possible alternative if they fail to complete a deal for Declan Rice.
The Gunners have had three bids rejected for the West Ham skipper, the last of which was for a fee of £75 million plus £15million in add-ons.
However, the Hammers are holding out for a £100million fee for the player, and although Arsenal are preparing a further bid for Rice, they are targeting alternatives in case a deal can't be done for the England man.
Boss Mikel Arteta sees the midfield as a key area he wants to improve this summer and has identified Fofana as another option in the middle.