Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be busy in the coming weeks as they look to strengthen their respective squads.

The Gunners came close to winning the Premier League title last season and will be eager to make the necessary additions to ensure they can go all the way next term.

Meanwhile, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou enjoyed a decent maiden season in charge of the Lilywhites, but they’ll want to ensure they can seal a top-four spot next year.

Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with many top players in recent weeks, including one who has been described as “one of the best” left-footed defenders around.

However, the Gunners seem to be winning the race for said player, who is also reported to have rejected Tottenham and two other Premier League clubs in favour of a move to N5.

Calafiori snubs Tottenham in favour of Arsenal

The player in question is Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, one of the most highly sought-after defenders in European football at present.

The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle Chelsea have all been linked with the 22-year-old in recent weeks.

Now, CaughtOffside has reported that Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle wanted Calafiori, but he has ‘rejected everyone’ as he is keen on joining Arsenal.

The report also claims that Calafiori has agreed a five-year deal with the Gunners worth €5million a year, or around £81,300-a-week.

Arsenal and Bologna remain in talks and the Gunners are ready to match the Italian club’s €50million (£42million) asking price amid interest from other suitors.

Calafiori ‘has everything’

Arsenal and Tottenham – and all the other suitors – would benefit from having Calafiori in their squad, as he is a top talent.

One of Calafiori’s former coaches recently spoke to Sky Sports News about what the Italy international would bring to a team.

When asked whether the Italian is a modern defender in the European game, Heiko Vogel replied: “Absolutely, because he has everything.

“On one hand you have the possession game, and on the other hand I think a full-back and also a centre-back needed to be a good defender.

“He’s aggressive, he’s good in the defence, in duels, in 1v1 situations, he has a good mentality, good at anticipation.

“Everything you need to be at the highest level, both in possession and opponents’ possession, he has everything.”

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano recently described Calafiori as “one of the best in the world” in terms of left-footed defensive talents.

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