Arteta has $21m 'risk-free' Rice fix with Man Utd & Liverpool transfer hijack

Arsenal transfer news as Mikel Arteta could hijack Man United and Liverpool's interest in one of Leeds United's international stars

Much has been made of Arsenal's plans to spend big in the summer. Having missed out on Champions League qualification for seven straight seasons, the Gunners are back and the necessity to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad is greater than ever.

A run of just three wins from their final nine games meant the north Londoners failed to win their first Premier League title in 19 years. Now, the next challenge is on continuing the turn of fortunes at the Emirates Stadium under Arteta and closing the gap between themselves and Manchester City.

Moises Caicedo is amongst the names tipped to make a move to north London, with other midfielders also linked. However, Arsenal may have the answer to their problems in midfielder in USMNT star Tyler Adams.

The 24-year-old was a standout player in a struggling team this season, adapting to the physical and tactical side of Premier League football accordingly. Leeds' relegation to the Championship means he is likely to be one of many players sold to raise funds for a rebuild at Elland Road.

According to 90min, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham are all contemplating a move for the defensive midfielder. There is also interest from clubs in Germany, Italy and Spain.

Adams may not be the most attractive name linked to Arsenal, but his services would be a shrewd piece of business. FBRef ranks the former RB Salzburg star in the 99th percentile for tackles made and 97th percentile for blocks - compared to Arsenal's current pivot in midfield, Thomas Partey, who ranks in the 75th percentile and 20th percentile respectively.

The CIES Football Observatory values the midfielder at $16m, making Adams a relatively risk-free alternative to Rice. Alongside back-up to Partey in the defensive area of midfield, Adams will also be another USMNT player in Arsenal's ranks and link-up with international teammate Matt Turner.

For now, it remains to be seen whether Edu and Arteta will opt to make a move for Adams. Going all out for Rice is, understandably, the focus. Yet, with Granit Xhaka's imminent exit to Bayer Leverkusen, the United States star could remain an option.