North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur could be set to do battle in the transfer market once again.placeholder image
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur could be set to do battle in the transfer market once again. | Getty Images
Premier League leaders Arsenal could look to get one over on their neighbours with a latest big-money signing
In late September, as Arsenal trailed by a goal to nil against Manchester City deep in stoppage time, it appeared inconceivable that the Gunners would claw back a seven-point deficit to champions Liverpool just 30 days later.
Mikel Arteta’s side have not only done that - they have now opened up a three-point gap at the top of the table and are four ahead of the faltering Reds. While we remain early in the season, Arsenal’s supreme defensive solidity suggests that a rapid capitulation is unlikely to follow.
North London has been a positive place early in this Premier League season, as arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also enjoyed a quiet resurgence under new head coach Thomas Frank. Though a defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday halted their progress, the Lilywhites still sit in sixth place.
Arsenal and Spurs face off in the north London derby on November 23, and may soon go head-to-head in the January transfer window after their much-anticipated clash at the Emirates.
Arsenal aim to secure another Spurs hijack for Nico Paz
Sport Witness report that Arsenal are one of several clubs who have sparked an interest in 21-year-old Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz, who was the subject of heavy interest from Spurs in the summer.
Along with the Gunners, Chelsea are reported to be interested, in addition to Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan. Spurs may look to re-enter the race if a January move becomes viable for the Argentina international, but it is most likely that their chance to sign the starlet has already been and gone.
Real Madrid could be biggest obstacle in Arsenal’s way
With Spurs unlikely to be a concern in Arsenal’s bid to sign Paz, it could ultimately be his former club Real Madrid who have the final say.
Los Blancos are reported to have an €8m buy-back clause inserted into the 21-year-old’s contract, which becomes available next summer. The player is believed to still see his long-term future at the Bernabeu, and so there will be little competition if Real come calling in summer 2026.
It would, therefore, be in Arsenal’s interests to try their luck in January while they can. If the Gunners still lead the way at the top of the Premier League table and are going well in the Champions League, Arteta could make a compelling argument that Paz would have a key role to play in a trophy-challenging Gunners generation.
With the star-studded attacking options afforded to Xabi Alonso, it is difficult to see where the Argentine would fit in at Los Blancos. If Arsenal want any realistic chance of signing him, they must be successful in convincing Paz of this - as it appears that Como’s agreement with Real gives the player control over where he wants to go next in his career, regardless of the fee the club receive.
Mundo Deportivo state: “If Real Madrid doesn’t make this signing next summer, they could regret it greatly in the coming years. It remains to be seen how the pieces fit together with Franco Mastantuono, Arda Guler, [Jude] Bellingham, Brahim [Diaz] or Rodrygo, perhaps a sale is necessary.”
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