Arsenal have reportedly completed the 'legwork' of a deal to land Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Evan Ndicka ahead of Tottenham.
Both sides have been credited with an interest in the left-footed defender following his eye-catching performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League. The Gunners are said to be keen on bringing in another left-side defender despite Gabriel Magalhaes signing a new contract earlier this month.
Arsenal missed out on Ajax's Lisandro Martinez in the summer transfer window after he opted to reunite with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Antonio Conte's side are also believed to be interested in Ndicka after his performances against them in their European meetings this season.
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Ndicka is currently in his final year of his contract with the Europa League Champions, and talks regarding a renewal have stalled of late amid interest from around Europe. CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs was discussing the Frenchman's future with GiveMeSport and hinted at a possible move to the red side of north London.
"Arsenal like the player," he said. "They've certainly done their legwork and their due diligence and their scouting on him.
"There's a lot of interest in the player, not just from the Premier League but from all across Europe as well."
With Ndicka's stance over his future unclear, Frankfurt sports director Markus Krosche has previously claimed that their offer to keep the defender at the Deutsche Bank Park is still available for the player to sign. He said: "There has not yet been a decision as to which direction to go. We didn't give them an ultimatum either. The offer is still available, and we are exchanging."
Reports have suggested that either Arsenal or Tottenham could land the defender for as little as £7 million, less than the £20 million CIES Football Observatory value him, in January due to the German side keen to ensure they don't lose their man for nothing. However, should a deal not materialise in the winter window, his services could be secured on a free transfer.
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