Arsenal and Tottenham are facing off this weekend in the Premier League but both North London rivals could also be set for battle in the transfer window in January and next summer.
Both sides had productive transfer off-seasons prior to the 2022/23 campaign getting underway with the astute business done by Edu and Fabio Paratici respectively having each side 1st and 3rd respectively approaching this weekend's North London Derby showdown.
Regardless of the outcome of this huge Premier League clash, one thing that is clear in the early parts of this term is the impact injury concerns are having on both squads as a whole with Antonio Conte and Mikel Arteta set to be creative with some of the setbacks going into this one.
Thankfully, from both the manager's perspectives, their main attacking threats in the form of Gabriel Jesus and Harry Kane are fit and healthy heading into the Emirates Stadium clash.
READ MORE: Arsenal's key man for North London Derby vs Tottenham identified amid Thomas Partey injury doubt
The Three Lions international didn't sustain any injury during the last two UEFA Nations League games for Gareth Southgate's side vs Italy and most recently Germany whilst Jesus wasn't selected by Brazil, meaning he was resting and training in London Colney over this last break ahead of the World Cup in November.
If both were to pick up shock late injuries or illnesses before the clash, it's fair to say that their replacements present a significant drop-off. Arsenal would have to turn to the hot and cold Eddie Nketiah whilst Tottenham would have to change their plans with an attacking line of Richarlison, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski available.
However, these options for both teams may not be deemed sustainable in the long-term if both were to have title aspirations amid a battle with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. With this in mind, it's no surprise to see the pair linked with a low-risk £36million swoop for Lille and Canadian star Jonathan David.
Fabrizio Romano wrote for CaughtOffside: "I think he’s a great striker, sometimes he’s underrated. He’s always scoring goals, still young, still able to improve even more.
"I think after the World Cup his situation will be clear, let’s see if January or next summer. Fee could be around €35million-€40million (£31.3million-£35.8million) but also depends on the performances this season.
"He was on Arsenal and Tottenham list one year ago then they decided to invest on Premier League proven players like Jesus and Richarlison."
The 22-year-old has an impressive six-goal contribution in the first eight Lille games played this season in Ligue 1. This represents an overall xG (expected goals) of 3.5 and xA (expected assists) of 1.2, as per FBref.com. Despite how well David is doing in the French top flight, Arsenal and Tottenham will not be taking these stats at as a signifier alone with the experiences of Nicolas Pepe and Tanguy Ndombele presenting a warning that not all top clash players in Ligue 1 work out for whatever reason in the Premier League.
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