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Arsenal are reportedly battling Southampton to sign ‘young Vieira’ Joe Aribo

Arsene Wenger of Arsenal talks with Patrick Vieira during the Barclays Premiership match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on September ...
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Charlton Athletic want to keep Joe Aribo despite interest from Premier League duo Arseanl and Southampton.

Joe Aribo of Charlton Athletic runs with the ball during the Sky Bet League One match between Charlton Athletic and Blackpool at The Valley on February 16, 2019 in London, United Kingdom.

Arsenal are facing competition from Premier League rivals Southampton for Joe Aribo this summer, according to Football London.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for Charlton Athletic this season, scoring six League One goals from the centre of midfield. And with his contract due to expire in the summer, he has been tipped to follow former Addicks youngsters Carl Jenkinson, Joe Gomez and Ademola Lookman to the top flight.

The Mirror broke the news of Arsenal’s interest on Sunday with The Gunners hoping to snap up Aribo on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Though Football London believes they will face competition from Southampton, a club who have established themselves as a fine stepping stone for young talents like Aribo in recent seasons.

It is claimed that Charlton have not given up hope of keeping the former Staines Town ace at The Valley and talks are ongoing over a new deal, though convincing him to reject Premier League interest would be easier said than done.

(L-R) Paul Kalambayi of AFC Wimbledon and Joe Aribo of Charlton Athletic challenge for the ball during the Sky Bet League One match between AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic at The...

Interestingly, former Charlton manager Karl Robinson compared Aribo to Gunners legend Patrick Vieira in 2016, speaking to the club’s official website.

“Joe is like a young Patrick Vieira in some ways with his leggy range, quality and appetite to get around the pitch,” he said.

Arsene Wenger of Arsenal talks with Patrick Vieira during the Barclays Premiership match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on September 11, 2004 in London.