Tottenham and Arsenal have a great rivalry between them and it seems the stage is set once again for a tumultuous battle but this time to sign a player. Both clubs from North London have been linked with moves for Issa Diop of Toulouse.
Reports claim the scouts from both the clubs were at the game where Toulouse played against Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain. The French U-21 defender helped his side to a commendable draw on Sunday against Unai Emery’s side that had destroyed Barcelona earlier in the week.
Diop had played 20 games this season and the 20-year-old and also has scored a couple of goals and provided a couple of assists as well. It was France Football that claimed that both Arsene Wenger and Mauricio Pochettino want the talented defender.
Both clubs have had issues with their defence and with Tottenham not having a lot of quality cover for the pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, Pochettino might want to close this deal really quickly in the summer.
Arsenal too need players for their central defence with the likes of Rob Holding and Gabriel not stepping up this season. However, signing Diop could turn out to be a costly affair.
The 20-year-old had recently signed a new deal with Toulouse that keeps him at the club until 2020. The Ligue 1 club would not be willing to let go of their rising star on the cheap and both clubs from the Premier League might have to bid big to sign him up.
Although Diop has not played for the senior national side, he has represented France in the U16, U17, U18 and U19 levels and broke into the U21 team making four appearances this season.
Transfers not really working out for Tottenham
All this talk about signing another player from outside England might not be the best news heard by Spurs fans. The side did bring in big money names such as Vincent Janssen this season and he has failed to shine for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Even the likes of Moussa Sissoko, who did alright for Newcastle United, hasn’t really turned heads this season and questions are being asked about the transfer policy at Tottenham.
Moving for a player that isn’t guaranteed to provide success in the Premier League is a risky decision from the Tottenham board but the London club still have time to chalk out their plans for next season.
For now, they have to worry about the Europa League and FA Cup runs and a finish at the top four positions.
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