Arsenal and Tottenham have both been handed a huge boost in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Evan Ndicka. The 23-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with his deal in Germany set to expire in the summer.
Ndicka has featured 23 times for the Eagles this season, steering his side into the Champions League round of 16 and top-four of the Bundesliga. The Frenchman's impressive displays have courted fair interest in his services but, despite being available on a free transfer at the end of the season, his contract demands have reportedly turned potential suitors away.
According to German newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau, Ndicka has been offered to Arsenal and Tottenham by his agents. The report states that the centre-back's representatives have been offering their client to a number of top-flight European clubs.
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And it's said that the number of interested parties have been 'growing by the day', with the pair of north London clubs among those. Frankfurter Rundschau report that Ndicka's agents are demanding a five-year deal worth around €50million (£44million); an initial €15million (£13.2million) payment to the player and an annual salary of €7million (£6.2million).
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal and Tottenham have been put off by Ndicka's demands, although Antonio Conte is believed to be in the market for a new centre-back. football.london understands that the Lilywhites' plan for next summer includes signing two centre-halves; one for the left and another able to play either centrally or on the right.
There is no option-to-buy in Clement Lenglet's loan from Barcelona so if the Frenchman impresses then Tottenham could be inclined to strike a deal in the summer. The likes of Josko Gvardiol, Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni have all reportedly courted the interest of Conte.
The latter more so than any other defender, with the Spurs boss said to be a huge admirer of the Inter Milan wonderkid. In the meantime, football.london understand that Conte's two priorities in the January transfer window are the signing of a new attacking player and a right wing-back.
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