Arsenal are reportedly battling Leeds and Tottenham in the race to sign Middlesbrough star Djed Spence, who is on loan at Nottingham Forest. But they have the perfect trump card – a player-plus-cash deal.
London-born Spence, 21, has missed just two of Forest’s 21 Championship matches since he joined the club. Offering versatility as a right-back or a right winger, the right-sided flyer is crucial to Steve Cooper’s side.
His form has not gone unnoticed. Sky Sports report that Arsenal are battling Tottenham and Leeds in the race to sign Spence – as all three look for cover on the right of their defence. The Express say his price tag is £15million.
But Arsenal could have the best chance of the three clubs pursuing his signature – and that is because of striker Folarin Balogun. The Arsenal man has just joined Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season.
Balogun could help Arsenal win Spence race, before Leeds and Spurs
Spence is unable to play for another club, aside from Forest and Boro, until next season – because he has played for both this season. It means that if Tottenham, Arsenal or Leeds signed him, he would be loaned back.
With all three requiring additions this month, the chances of them spending £15million to sign Spence is unlikely – not until the summer. In the mean time, Chris Wilder will be hoping Balogun shines for Middlesbrough.
If he does, which is likely given his form for Arsenal’s Under-23 side and that he has already broken into the Gunners senior side, then Boro will want to keep Balogun. So, Arsenal could use Balogun to their advantage.
With Boro likely to want Balogun to stay beyond the summer and Arsenal looking to win Spence and use him next season – surely it gives the Gunners the upper hand, offering a player-plus-cash deal involving Balogun?
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