Exclusive: Arsenal plot blowing Spurs out of water to sign PL ever-present in January

Exclusive: Arsenal plot blowing Spurs out of water to sign PL ever-present in January

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on

Arsenal are plotting a move to blown Tottenham out of the water in the race to land Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey in January, Football Insider can reveal.

The Gunners are in the market for a new centre-back as they look to solve their chronic and longstanding problems at the back.

An Arsenal source has told Football Insider that they are keeping close tabs on Godfrey, 21, and were hugely impressed by his performance against them in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Carrow Road.

He is valued at between £20-£25million by the Canaries, who tied him down to a five-year contract in the summer that runs until 2023.

The interest from Arsenal comes after Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Tottenham have set their sights on the Norwich player ahead of the upcoming window.

European big guns Borussia Dortmund and Lyon are also keen on Godfrey, who has captained England Under-21s as well as his club employers.

Spurs are in the market for a centre-back as they look to secure at least one replacement for Belgium internationals Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, who are both out of contract at the end of the season.

Arsenal are also looking for competition for senior quartet David Luiz, Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding.

Godfrey has established himself as a key player in Daniel Farke's side after making huge progress since joining Norwich from York City in 2016.

He made 31 league appearances season during their Championship-winning campaign, including 26 consecutive starts in defence after breaking into the side in December.

The youngster has been an ever-present this season, playing the full 90 minutes of all 15 of Norwich's Premier League matches this season, as well as one in the League Cup.

www.footballinsider247.com