Sources: Arsenal plot swoop to sign PL 26-yr-old, Emery is 'big admirer' of 18/19 ever-present
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Sources: Arsenal plot swoop to sign PL 26-yr-old, Emery is 'big admirer' of 18/19 ever-present

Wayne Veysey
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.

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By Pete O'Rourke

Arsenal are ready to rival Tottenham for Everton defender Michael Keane this summer, Football Insider understands.

The Gunners are in the market for a new centre-back this summer as Unai Emery looks to strengthen an area of the side that has often been found wanting.

A club source has told Football Insider that Emery is a "big admirer" of Keane and sees him as the type of player Arsenal can build their defence around over the coming year.

Arsenal scouts watched Keane in action during Everton's 2-0 win at West Ham last weekend and the central defender again impressed for the Toffees.

The 26-year-old has been a virtual ever-present for Everton this season and his form has seen him regain his place in Gareth Southgate's England side in recent squads.

Keane helped England to get their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign off to a winning start last month and he scored his first goal for his country in the 5-1 win over Montenegro.

The source explained that Everton value Keane in the £50million bracket having signed him for £25m from Burney in 2017 and Tottenham's and Arsenal's ability to pay that fee will come down both clubs finishing in the top four and having that money to spend from qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Former Manchester United youngster Keane still has three years to run on his contract at Everton and they would be reluctant to lose the defender this summer.

In other Arsenal and north London news, it can be REVEALED a senior man has had his pay slashed in HALF.

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