Arsenal face Tottenham battle to capture River Plate star

It hasn’t been an especially busy transfer window for Arsene Wenger at the Emirates, with just Mohamed Elneny putting pen to paper in north London, but the Frenchman may not be finished doing business just yet.

Reports have emerged this week linking Arsenal with a move for Argentina youngster Emanuel Mammana, currently impressing on a weekly basis at River Plate.

The 19-year-old has been courted by the Gunners and north London rivals Tottenham for the best part of a year, and it appears one club may make a move sooner rather than later, with Serie A side Fiorentina also in the mix.

However the Italian side are reportedly only willing to stump up £5.7m for the Argentina international, far short of River’s £7.5m valuation.

With Arsenal’s preferred central pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker both over 30 years of age, Wenger’s signing of 25-year-old Gabriel over the summer was a clear indication of creating stability for seasons to come, and it seems Mammana is a part of the same agenda.

The 6ft centre-half Mammana isn’t the most physically imposing presence on the pitch, but the Argentine’s pace, skill on the ball and excellent reading of the game is what has been attracting scouts from across Europe.

They are the kind of attributes that Wenger desires and it appears only a matter of time before one of Arsenal or Tottenham launch a serious bid for the highly sought after youngster.

The Gunners are still in the hunt for three trophies this season, and are 6/4 second favourites for the Premier League.

The north Londoners welcome Championship contenders Burnley to the Emirates in the FA Cup this weekend, as Wenger’s men look to continue the defence of their successive Cup final victories.

Arsenal are 4/11 favourites for the match, while the Clarets are a 15/2 shot to cause a Cup upset.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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