Arsenal and Tottenham Set To Battle It Out For Full-back Djed Spence

Both the north London clubs, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Djed Spence. The 21-year-old right-back has taken the Championship by storm during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest. He will have only one year left on his contract in the summer and is therefore valued at £12million-15million, according to Evening Standard.

Alongside Arsenal and Tottenham, the German giants Bayern Munich are also monitoring the player’s situation. Spence had an impressive display against Liverpool where Nottingham faced a narrow 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup. The right-back also played a very good game against Nottingham’s rivals, Leicester City and got himself a goal too.

Djed Spence at Nottingham Forrest, Djed Spence, Arseanal — Image obtained via Bayern Strikes

Not only that, but he also had a good performance while knocking out Arsenal in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Spence recently made his U-21 England debut in Albania. The 21-year-old defender has expressed his feelings of wanting to play in the Premier League but has also said that he is focused on ending this season on good terms.

“I always want to push myself and play with the best players and best teams. Of course, it’s an ambition of mine to play in the Premier League. I just want to keep improving and show everyone what I can do on the pitch. I need to stay focused, have tunnel vision and play well on the pitch.”

Why Should Arsenal Sign Djed Spence In The Summer?

Arsenal are willing to let Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hector Bellerin leave on a permanent basis. They signed Takehiro Tomiyasu to replace Bellerin and the Japanese defender has not failed to impress. Tomiyasu has been very impressive for Arsenal and a crucial part of their recent success and surge towards fourth place.

However, he is now facing injury difficulties with his calf and Cedric Soares is the man doing his job. Although Soares is doing pretty well, more quality is required to reach the top level. Therefore, if another right-back is signed then Cedric Soares might see his way out of the club. Now, this is where Djed Spence could pounce on and pin down his place in the Arsenal starting line-up.

Djed Spence is a really good dribbler of the ball who could help Arsenal go up the pitch from the right-hand side. Moreover, he also has a very good shot in him and defenders will not want to leave him in space just outside their box. Speaking of his defensive attributes, he intercepts the ball very well and could be very handy in breaking up plays. Spence also falls back very well in case his team gets caught out on a counterattack.

Djed Spence celebrating for Nottingham Forest, Djed Spence, Arsenal — Image obtained via Sports Mole

Why Do The Gunners Have To Push Hard to Sign Spence?

As established, Cedric Soares has to be replaced at the club. The 30-year-old defender does not have the serious pace that is required nowadays at the highest level. Whereas, Djed Spence could glide through the right flank up and down throughout the whole game. Spence will not be a backup right-back to Tomiyasu. Instead, he will challenge for the starting spot in the lineup.

This top tier competitions will demand better performances more Tomiyasu on the pitch. Spence makes 1.4 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game. He also clears the ball 1.2 times and only gets dribbled past 0.5 times per game. Despite being a defender, he completes 1.7 dribbles and gets fouled 1.4 times per game (stats via whoscored).

See More:

Arsenal is most likely to play in the Champions League next season. They currently do not have depth as good as Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United but are still managing to stay fourth in the league. To challenge for trophies they will need depth and of good quality that will not let Arsenal feel the absence of injured or suspended first-team players.

Follow AD for the Latest Transfer Updates for Arsenal.