Tottenham and Arsenal are no strangers to fighting it out over signings – now one move could frustrate the Gunners' hierarchy
(Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to get one over on Arsenal with a transfer target that they're hoping to land in January.
The two north London rivals have often gone up against one another for players in the last few years, with Brazilian forwards Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus both admitting that there was interest from the other club when they made their respective moves this summer.
Last year, Emerson Royal and Takehiro Tomiyasu were both targets for either side, while Spurs' January buy, Dejan Kulusevski, was on Arsenal's radar, too.
Dejan Kulusevski was a target for Arsenal before he eventually joined the other side of north London (Image credit: Getty)
Recently, Arsenal have been linked with Juventus star Weston McKennie, according to Calciomercato, with the Old Lady said to be interested in making a swap deal with the Gunners' young midfielder, Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Now, the same source claims that Tottenham director Fabio Paratici – who has links to former club Juventus – is a noted fan of McKennie.
McKennie, who has been likened to former Spurs man, Edgar Davids, is perhaps more likely to choose the white side of north London, with more of a guarantee of playing time, should Antonio Conte stick with the 3-5-2 formation he has recently favoured.
Arsenal's ownership, however, may be peeved at missing out on this deal. The Gunners have recently signed Matt Turner and Austin Trusty – both Americans – with an eye to recruit more from the United States in the future. Signing an established US international like McKennie would be seen as a big coup for the Colorado-based Kroenke Sports Entertainment.
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(Image credit: PA)
Juventus are said to be keen to sell in order to make room for a permanent transfer for Leandro Paredes. The Argentine controller is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain at current.
McKennie is valued at around £22.5 million by Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
