Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly keen on Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Leandro Paredes of AS Roma
According to Tutto Mecato Web, Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes has emerged as a top target for both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Paredes, 22, emerged as one of the top talents in his native Argentina during his time with Boca Juniors, grabbing five goals in 28 games before he moved on to Italy with Chievo and Roma.
After spending last season on loan with Empoli, where he notched two goals and one assist in 33 games, Paredes has returned to Roma this term, and has been in and out of the side.
With 12 starts and 12 substitute appearances in Serie A, Paredes has found the net three times, whilst he’s also played in ten European encounters over the course of the season.
Leandro Paredes in action for Roma
Now, Tutto Mercato Web claim that Paredes has emerged as a prime target for both Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window, with the two North London rivals seemingly set for a battle over his signature.
Arsenal invested heavily in Granit Xhaka last summer, but he has yet to really live up to his billing since his move from Borussia Monchengladbach, and Paredes could emerge as a successor to Santi Cazorla as well as competition for Xhaka, Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Meanwhile, Tottenham have quality central midfielders Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama, but if Mauricio Pochettino intends to use Eric Dier as a centre back, then another midfielder could be needed – especially given Harry Winks’ recent ankle injury.
With both teams hoping for Champions League football, Paredes could have a tough decision to make, but the presence of compatriot Pochettino could just give Tottenham a slight edge, if both teams really are pursuing his signature.
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