Transfer Rumour: Arsenal looking to usurp Tottenham in Marcel Sabitzer chase

Arsenal are reportedly aiming to steal a march on Tottenham in the race to sign Marcel Sabitzer from RB Leipzig, with a move likely next summer

As reported by Daily Express, Julian Laurens has claimed that Arsenal have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Marcel Sabitzer. The Austrian midfielder is currently valued at around £45 million by RB Leipzig, although his price tag could potentially drop in the summer transfer window.

Sabitzer joined RB Leipzig from Rapid Wien in the summer of 2014. However, it was not until the 2015/16 season that he managed to establish a foothold in the German outfit’s first-team setup, having spent the previous campaign on loan at Red Bull Salzburg.

Over the past half-a-decade or so, the 26-year-old has gone on to amass over 200 appearances for the Bundesliga heavyweights and has even been promoted to the role of club captain. However, his future at the Red Bull Arena is uncertain, with his current deal having just 18 months left to expire. Keeping a close eye on his situation are Arsenal and Tottenham.

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Tottenham, in fact, have been monitoring the Austrian international’s progress for a couple of years now. Recent reports have suggested that Spurs are finally set to take the plunge in pursuit of the 26-year-old, with Jose Mourinho believed to be a huge admirer of his talents.

Tottenham’s stance makes a lot of sense as well, considering Gedson Fernandes is set to return to Benfica whereas Dele Alli does not have much of a future at the club. Tottenham, though, are now facing stiff competition from Arsenal in the race to sign Sabitzer, as per Julien Laurens.

Speaking on The Gab & Juls Show, Laurens said, “There is another club [interested in him] – I think Arsenal are very keen as well. I think there’s a few English clubs [interested in him]. He will be perfect for the Premier League. The way he plays, 26-years-old, it’s a good age, all that energy. I think he’s ready [to play in the Premier League].”

It is not hard to see why Arsenal have joined Tottenham in pursuit of Sabitzer, having struggled for creativity so far this season. In fact, only five teams have found the back of the net fewer times than the Gunners, who have quite clearly suffered from the absence of Mesut Ozil and a genuine creative midfielder.

To that end, the 26-year-old is a viable target for Arsenal, who have been linked with a number of midfielders, including Joan Jordan. The report, though, claims that neither Tottenham nor Arsenal are likely to make a move for Sabitzer in the January transfer window, with a summer transfer expected instead.

Meanwhile, Sabitzer has also been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks, although Laurens does not make any mention of the Red Devils. It has also been suggested that Leipzig value him at £45 million as things stand, although the price tag might be slashed in the summer if he does not sign a renewal. What now remains to be seen is if Arsenal or Tottenham do make a move for him.