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Arsenal and Aston Villa may block Tottenham from finally signing a Harry Kane replacement
Tottenham may have to fend off interest from fierce rivals Arsenal if they are to secure the signature of their top striker target.
Arsenal could prevent Tottenham from securing the signature of a Harry Kane replacement this summer. Both sides have been linked with Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee, and a transfer tussle between the two fierce rivals should not be ruled out.
After it became clear that Kane was not willing to extend his contract with Spurs, the decision was taken to green-light his exit to Bayern Munich. A deal was struck for £82million late in the summer transfer window, though a replacement was not signed.
The absence of a marquee No. 9 has not hindered Tottenham’s progress under Ange Postecoglou, though there is a suggestion that they could improve further with a traditional striker leading the line for the club.
Numerous forwards have been linked with a move to Spurs, including Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Brighton prospect Evan Ferguson, though Postecoglou appears to be looking further afield for reinforcements. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham have shortlisted Bologna star Zirkzee as a target and are monitoring his progress closely.
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The 22-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to the season, scoring seven goals and assisting two in 19 Serie A appearances to showcase why Bayern Munich were so desperate to include a buy-back clause into his contract last year.
Zirkzee’s performances have caught the attention of numerous outfits, with his £34million release clause threatening to be a bargain for any suitor. The fee would not be out of the reach of Tottenham, though they may have to fend off interest from some of their Premier League rivals.
Arsenal and Aston Villa have also been credited with holding an interest in Zirkzee, with both clubs expected to splash the cash over the summer on a top-quality striker who can spearhead their respective attacks for many years to come. With sales anticipated at the Emirates Stadium, the Netherlands Under-21 international could be signed by the Gunners to provide an alternative option in the final third whilst also allowing a proven goal scorer to be signed – such as Toney.
Whereas Villa may push for Zirkzee to compete with Ollie Watkins for the striker spot in Unai Emery’s system whilst nurturing his development closely to ensure that he excels in the long-term. Tottenham would also be able to provide the ex-Bayern star with assurances of opportunities, and the decision could be left to the player to decide who to join if the trio of sides all decide to activate his release clause.