Football London has claimed that Nottingham Forest defender Djed Spence is unlikely to move to Arsenal during the summer. After the Reds beat the Gunners last month, it was claimed that the North Londoners were keen to pounce.
Now, the report has claimed why Mikel Arteta might not move for the man who helped send his Arsenal team packing in this season’s FA Cup.
Spence will have plenty of interested parties during the summer. Tottenham, Leeds, Inter and Roma have all been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old in recent weeks.
Arteta’s strategy could prevent him from making a move for the defensive workhorse, however. It’s claimed that with Kieran Tierney fulfilling a wing-back role on the left-hand side, the Spaniard prefers a more pragmatic approach on the right.
Currently, Arsenal have Takehiro Tomiyasu on the right. He fits the criteria of a player who is more accustomed to the defensive side of playing full-back, rather than Spence who loves to get forwards.
The Middlesbrough owned player has been brilliant during 2021/22. He has made 23 appearances for the Reds, propelling the team into contention for a place in the Championship play-offs.
Arsenal could be making a mistake. Other than Tomiyasu they have very little at right-back. Furthermore, Spence is also capable of operating at left-back if called upon.
Quality: Arsenal could regret decision on Forest standout Spence
The Gunners have improved this season but Spence could represent a really good piece of business. He won’t cost a fortune and at 21 he fits the mantra of an Arsenal signing down to the ground.
Arsenal can’t hesitate either. Tottenham are really keen, whilst Inter and Roma provide attractive interest from Italy.
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Sadly, Forest are seeing their chances of signing him permanently evaporate with each amazing performance he makes for the team.
Nonetheless, where he ends up next will be intriguing and Arsenal might be the first club to drop out of the race for his signature.