Earlier in June, it was reported that both Tottenham and Arsenal had a strong interest in Sampdoria defender Joachim Andersen. Tottenham were reported to be willing to pay up to €25 million while their North London rivals were set to offer up to €45 million for both Andersen and his team-mate Dennis Praet (TUTTOmercato).
The Mirror has now claimed that Arsenal have increased their interest in Andersen as they look to improve their defence ahead of the 2019/20 Premier League season.
Spurs’ links to Andersen come amidst speculation regarding the future of the totemic Toby Alderweireld who is now in the last year of his contract at the club. While Alderweireld was expected to leave the club this summer the Belgian international has since spoken out on his future and put those rumours to bed.
Speaking with the Standard he said: “I’m going to say the same thing that I’ve been saying for the past couple of years,” Alderweireld said when asked about his future.
“The only focus is Spurs, because of this focus I think I had a good season as well. I have one year left on my contract, so in my head, I will play for Spurs next season.”
These comments perhaps clarify why Tottenham seem less inclined to pursue the Danish centre back who has now received more interest from North London rivals, Arsenal.
Spurs Web Opinion
After Alderweireld’s comments, I’d certainly like to see us strengthen other areas before we look to improving the centre of our defence. With Alderweireld likely to stay, that would leave us with him, Vertonghen, Sanchez and Foyth (and Eric Dier if necessary) as options at centre half next season. With that in mind, central midfield and right back should be our priorities as we go into the new season.
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