(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 29 August 2025 11:45, UK

Arsenal’s transfer plans could be scuppered by North London rivals Tottenham following a surprise approach for a Manchester City star.

Spurs have already had a deal hijacked by Arsenal for Eberechi Eze, and now Thomas Frank could ruin a move planned by the Gunners.

Xavi Simons is close to joining Tottenham from RB Leipzig to fill the number 10 void left by an injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Frank though wants to add to his defensive options, despite Spurs keeping clean sheets in both their Premier League matches so far against Burnley and Man City.

Tottenham join race for Manuel Akanji

Fabrizio Romano on X [29 August] reports that Spurs have approached Man City for defender Manuel Akanji.

Galatasaray and Crystal Palace have also showed interest in Akanji this summer, with the 30-year-old a player Man City are happy to sell at the right price.

AC Milan are also in the running for the Swiss defender which could impact Arsenal’s hopes of signing Piero Hincapie.

Arsenal are in talks with Hincapie, with the 23-year-old having a £52million release clause in his contract.

Domino effect if Manuel Akanji joins Spurs

Football Insider Verdict

Akanji would bring versatility and leadership to Spurs’ back line and could be a smart late addition to Frank’s squad.

Comfortable in possession, Akanji can be deployed at centre-back or at full-back, and could also be a tactically smart signing if Frank wishes to switch to a back three.

The move could have a knockout effect of Arsenal’s pursuit of Hincapie, a player Mikel Arteta is close to signing.

Failure to sign Hincapie could also force Jakub Kiwior stay in North London amid interest from Porto in the Poland international who is free to leave the Emirates this summer if Arsenal sign a replacement.

The final days of the transfer window are to be key for both club’s, with defensive depth an area Frank does need to address before the deadline.