Tottenham Hotspur transfer news: Spurs to battle Arsenal for Real Betis’ Aissa Mandi

Tottenham and Arsenal are to battle one another for the signing of Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi, according to El Desmarque (h/t Sun).

The 27-year-old Algerian has been impressive for the La Liga side and has helped them to eighth place in the league standings.

The report claims that the Algerian has a £26m release clause and is contracted with the La Liga club till 2021.

Arsenal tried to sign the defender in the winter window but were unable to make a bid due to a lack of funds (h/t Sun).

The report adds that Unai Emery wants to sign the 27-year-old in the summer, but won’t have a lot of funds available.

The Sun adds that Mandi would fit the bill at both clubs and claims that Mauricio Pochettino wants to strengthen his defence with Toby Alderweireld’s future hanging in the balance.

More competition at Spurs?

Tottenham didn’t sign any players in the previous two windows, and it would be a major surprise if we did not dip into the market this summer.

Spurs could do with another centre-back in the team given the injury problems we have had this season. Further, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld are not getting any younger, despite being two of the best defenders football.

Mauricio Pochettino has Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez to call upon, and Foyth has impressed a lot this season when played. Sanchez should develop further in the years to come under Pochettino.

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Cameron Carter-Vickers is also away on loan, and it will be interesting to see what our plans are with the defence next season.