Arsenal and Tottenham might be battling it out for top-four this season in the Premier League, but the duo could extend their rivalry this summer, with the clubs both interested in Racing Club talent Carlos Alcaraz.
According to reports, the Premier League duo are interested in the 19-year-old midfielder, who has enjoyed a fantastic start this season in South America, with Alcaraz already on five goals in all competitions and having a starring role in the Copa Sudamericana.
With overseas talents now becoming more valuable for English clubs after changes to signings via Brexit, it makes sense why Arsenal and Tottenham are interested in Alcaraz, who is likely to feature for Argentina at some level in the coming months.
However, there is one big question that is currently hanging over any deal. Who actually is Alcaraz, and why are Arsenal and Tottenham both looking to sign the teenage prospect? Here at HITC Sport, we take a look.
A 19-year-old midfielder with an eye for goal at one of South America’s most prestigious clubs is bound the catch the eye of some top clubs, and whilst Arsenal and Tottenham are in this camp, they’re far from the only ones chasing the youngster.
As per Marca, the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan are also keeping tabs on Alcaraz, with a move to Europe looking like a certainty for the young Argentine star.
With some big clubs interested in Alcaraz, Arsenal and Tottenham will have their work cut out for them this summer if either of them is to land the midfielder. Moreover, Racing have already set their demands for the midfielder, and it doesn’t make for good reading.
RACING WANT BIG MONEY FOR ALCARAZ
Racing are viewed by many as one of the best clubs in Argentina for producing youth prospects, with the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo de Paul and Luciano Vietto all coming through the Avellaneda-based side. So it speaks volume that Alcaraz is valued at £20m, according to reports.
Such a transfer would be Racing’s second-biggest sale in their entire history, yet given Alcaraz’s record already this season and his age, it might take this hefty fee to lure the midfielder to Arsenal or Tottenham, who both could be tempted to pay up.
With both north London clubs keen on signing a central midfielder, Alcaraz could be an ideal player if the youngster continues to impress as we head into the summer transfer window, and Arsenal and Tottenham could spark a transfer battle of sorts in the coming weeks over the teenager.
ARGENTINE MEDIA COMPARE HIM TO INTER STAR MARTINEZ
Alcaraz is a midfielder by trade, but as per the Express, media in Argentina have compared the 19-year-old to another Racing graduate, that being Inter striker Martinez, who has flourished into one of Europe’s best attackers since leaving South America and has been subject to praise from Lionel Messi.
The comparison might seem off, but given Alcaraz’s goal tally already this season and the youngster’s ability to play in multiple roles in the midfield, there is a good chance that the Arsenal and Tottenham target could develop into a striker in the future.
Indeed, similarities drawn between Alcaraz and Martinez is some huge praise for the midfielder, and with a move to Europe on the cards for the youngster, it will be interesting to see the path the Arsenal and Tottenham target takes in the summer.
