North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are reportedly set to clash against each other for the signing of Turkish sensation Cengiz Under.
As per a report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (h/t Daily Mirror), Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign AS Roma’s talented young attacker Cengiz Under, who also happens to be a target for their arch rivals Arsenal.
Under burst onto the scene a couple of years ago at Turkish outfit Istanbul Basaksehir and was soon snapped up by the Giallorossi in the summer of 2017 in a deal worth an initial €13.4 million, amid strong interest from several other clubs including Premier League champions Manchester City.
Since moving to Rome, the 21-year-old has continued to enhance his reputation with exciting displays in attack. After scoring 8 goals and set up two more in 32 matches in his debut campaign, Under has already netted four times this term and racked up five assists in 17 matches across all competitions.
Under’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed as a number of European clubs are keeping a close eye on the attacker. Chief among those clubs are Arsenal, who have had a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old.
While they have been in belligerent form in front of goal under new manager Unai Emery, the lack of an out and out winger is something that has plagued Arsenal for some time now.
Having had to make use of the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Danny Welbeck, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the flanks, it makes sense that Arsenal will be looking to address that area in the January transfer window with the signing of Under.
However, the Gunners’ pursuit of the 17-time capped Turkish international has been complicated by their local rivals Tottenham, who also seem to have taken a liking to the winger.
Just like Arsenal, Spurs too have been on the lookout for a natural wide player for a long time now. And having been linked with a plethora of names in the recent past, the North Londoners are understood to have narrowed down on Under as their most viable target.
To that end, Tottenham are believed to have already made a £30 million bid to try and lure the 21-year-old to England, but were rebuffed by Roma. The Italians are unwilling to let go of their prized asset and are planning to hand him a bumper new contract. However, the Giallorossi are open to sanction a sale, should an offer in the range of £45 million come in.
Tipped as the ‘next Paulo Dybala’, Under is a phenomenal talent with immense potential and would be an asset to any club that he chooses to join. With both Tottenham and Arsenal pursuing his signature with great intent, it may very well lead to a bidding war come January.
