Arsenal and Tottenham are willing to battle it out to secure the services of Nice defender Youcef Atal in the new year.
That’s according to 90min, who claim that the North London rivals will move for the pacey 23-year-old in January should the full-back be willing to leave the Ligue 1 side.
Chelsea were linked with Atal earlier in the year, and sides from Germany, Italy and Spain are also making enquiries regarding the defender’s availability.
Algeria international Atal is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in French football and is reportedly aware of the interest in his services.
Read Arsenal verdict
There’s no doubting Atal’s current ability and future potential, and he could prove to be an excellent addition at the Emirates.
He’s known for his electric pace, positional awareness and attacking prowess and appears to tick every box Arsenal look for in a full-back.
Hector Bellerin is currently the Gunners’ first-choice right-back, so Atal would be a solid signing to challenge the Spaniard for a regular starting spot.
However, if Spurs do end up pipping Arsenal to Atal’s signature, it shouldn’t be seen as a disaster.
The Gunners should really be prioritising a central defender and central midfielder over the next six months, but it looks as of the club may well make their move for Atal.
