Neil Warnock has been speaking to SPORTbible after Tottenham signed Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, where Arsenal target Isaiah Jones was mentioned.
What’s the story?
Well, Warnock actually managed Spence at Middlesbrough, where the 73-year-old felt the 21-year-old had a few “attitude” problems before loaning him out to Nottingham Forest.
As you may know, the England Under-21 international then went on to play a key role as Forest won promotion to the Premier League, before he aimed a dig at Warnock on Twitter from the dressing room at Wembley.
Now, Warnock has shed light on what happened with Spence before loaning him out, and also admitted that he thinks Jones – a target for Arsenal – is the better player.
Speaking to SPORTbible, he said: “In the best interests of the club, he had to go out on loan. I felt if he went out on loan and did well, they’d get money for him. Whereas, Isaiah Jones, I don’t think there’s a better right wing-back in the league, he’s the best one there is.”
Now, those are some very interesting comments, to say the least.
Clearly, whatever Warnock said to Spence had a big impact, as it was one of the first things on his mind after beating Huddersfield in the Championship play-off final back in May.
Arsenal could outdo Tottenham
If Warnock is correct with his assessment on Jones, Arsenal could get one over on Tottenham by signing the 23-year-old.
It has been said that Mikel Arteta and Edu are eyeing a move for the Middlesbrough No.35, who Spurs also supposedly had a look at before deciding to sign Spence.
Arsenal could do with some fresh backup for Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is fairly prone to injuries.
Of course, Arteta has Cedric Soares to cover, although we strongly believe the Portugal international can be upgraded on at the Emirates Stadium.
Even if a move doesn’t materialise this summer, we should all expect to see Jones in the Premier League relatively soon if Warnock’s comments are anything to go by.
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