Arsenal reportedly want Miguel Almiron, but should Pochettino use links to launch a rival Spurs bid?

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Arsenal are reportedly keen on Miguel Almiron – but should Tottenham use their links to rival them?

Chile’s Mauricio Isla (L) marks Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron

According to Calcio Mercato, Arsenal are rivalling Inter Milan in the race to sign Atlanta United’s midfield maestro Miguel Almiron, with an £18million fee mentioned.

Almiron, 23, emerged in his native Paraguay with Cerro Porteno, and his performances earned him a move to Argentina with Lanus in 2015, where he continued to impress.

Almiron starred with Lanus, and despite interest in Europe, he made the surprise move to head to the United States with Atlanta United earlier this year.

Peru’s Yoshimar Yotun (L) vies for the ball with Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron

The Paraguay international has become a star in Georgia, hitting nine goals and eight assists in 29 MLS appearances for Gerardo Martino’s side – and his performances are attracting interest from huge European clubs.

Calcio Mercato claim that Arsenal and Inter Milan are leading the race for Almiron’s signature, with a fee of up to €20million (£18million) mentioned as the fee needed to prise him away from Atlanta United.

One club who could take a keen interest in the situation is Tottenham Hotspur, given that they have strong links to Atlanta United, after ex-Spurs man Darren Eales left the North London club to become Atlanta United president.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino then helped Atlanta appoint his friend and former Barcelona manager Martino as their new boss, before Tottenham then loaned youngster Anton Walkes to the MLS club for first-team experience.

Links between the two clubs are subsequently strong, and Tottenham may well have eyes on Atlanta just to see if there are any players they could sign, with midfielder Almiron undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.

A pacey, technically-gifted playmaker who can play out wide or as an attacking midfield, Almiron could be a versatile weapon for Pochettino to use, especially as Spurs search for more creativity as cover for Christian Eriksen.

Almiron fits that particular bill without breaking the bank, and given the links between Spurs, Pochettino and Atlanta United, Tottenham launching a bid to rival Arsenal for his signature could be a smart move.