North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will ‘fight’ for the signing of Nottingham Forest loanee Djed Spence.
The 21-year-old, who is on loan from Championship teammates Middlesbrough, is reportedly valued at £12million.
Both clubs are said to be “interested” in a move for Spence, who starred in Forest’s stunning FA Cup win over Arsenal at the City Ground earlier this month.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are looking to rival right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu while Antonio Conte believes a new right-back is a priority.
If either club were to switch, Spence would not move until the summer as he will finish the current season with Forest.
Middlesbrough wanted to recall the defender this month but couldn’t as the player wanted to stay at Forest.
“I’ve been watching him and he’s fine and happy,” said Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder.
“He wants to stay there for the second half of the season. I know that’s not the be-all and end-all and we have to make the decision that suits us
“We made the decision that Djed will stay out until the end of the season.
“Financially, we had the opportunity to improve the contract financially, which benefited us, which allows us to invest elsewhere and gives us the opportunity to improve the standard of players we are trying to bring to this football club by we allow Djed to go out.”