Arsenal could scupper Spurs’ attempt to sign long-term transfer target – report

Arsenal are interested in signing long-term Tottenham target Takehiro Tomiyasu, according to reports in Italy.

Last month, The Athletic reported that Spurs were closing in on a deal to sign Tomiyasu from Bologna, where he impressed last season.

The centre-back, who can also play at right-back, picked up an injury while playing at the Olympics for host nation Japan, but he has continued to be linked with Tottenham.

However, it seems Spurs’ chances of signing the 22-year-old could be scuppered by their fiercest rivals.

Italian outlet Tuttosport claims Arsenal have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Tomiyaso, who could be worth €20 million plus bonuses.

That seems quite expensive given that Spurs have already paid £47 million (via The Guardian) for a centre-back in Cristian Romero this summer.

It’s unlikely Tottenham will be willing to spend big on yet another player in the same position – but they arguably need to.

As things stand, there is a good chance Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez will start against Manchester City on Sunday if Romero isn’t quite fit enough.

Dier and Sanchez both struggled last season, and they are likely to be pushed by Romero and Joe Rodon this term.

But Spurs could also do with another centre-back to add quality and depth, meaning one of Dier or Sanchez could be on the way out.