Report: Arsenal join Tottenham in race for defender Youcef Atal

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Arsenal are reportedly interested in defender Youcef Atal from French top-flight club Nice.

According to 90min, the Gunners have joined the pursuit for the Ligue 1 speed machine and want to try bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

It is understood that they are joined by London rivals Tottenham in chasing the 23-year-old, while a host of clubs from Spain, Italy and Germany have also made enquiries about his availability in January.

Atal is an attack-minded right-back that is building quite the reputation for himself in France with Nice and he’s a key player in their team.

He is a versatile player that is a full-back by trade, but can play further forward on the wing if needed and has rapid pace to burn.

TBR’s View:

Atal is a highly-rated talent that looks like he could be a hit in the Premier League, as he’s an athletic individual with pace and power.

Unai Emery’s Arsenal is certainly lacking defensively and it’s an area that the North London club need to improve moving forward.

But it’s in the centre-back department where they need to focus, as they have a full-back pairing that deserve an opportunity to try consolidate starting positions.

Kieran Tierney should be given a regular run at left-back, while Hector Bellerin is back from a latest injury setback and should still feel he is the long-term answer at right-back.

Atal is an exciting target for Arsenal and he does have the qualities to play further forward, but he shouldn’t be a priority right now.