Report: Arsenal ditched 'incredible' attacking talent in 2019, Spurs now plan to get him for free

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing Derby’s Malcolm Ebiowei, a player once on the books at Arsenal.

According to The Sun, Spurs are weighing up a summer move for the 18-year-old attacking talent.

Tottenham aren’t the only ones in pursuit, however. Leeds and Fulham apparently want the former Gunners talent too.

Ebiowei came through the ranks at Arsenal, but left in 2019.

All Nigeria Soccer claimed at the time that the Gunners let him go.

“Arsenal’s decision to release Ebiowei will come as a shock to everyone associated with the club,” they wrote.

“(He was) widely regarded as one of the best prospects in the U16 team, if not the best.

“So much so that he was handed a debut for the U18 team in August 2019 despite being a schoolboy.”

Ebiowei subsequently joined Rangers in February 2020, where he stayed until July 2021.

He then joined Derby and quickly became a first-team squad member.

Ebiowei made 15 Championship appearances for the Rams, registering one goal and two assists.

Playing as a right-sided winger under Wayne Rooney, Ebiowei has shown huge potential.

However, Derby have suffered relegation to League One.

Ebiowei’s contract expires at the end of the season, so he’s very likely to leave.

As Ebiowei is only 18, if a team does sign him, they will have to pay a compensation fee due to his age.

Derby, Rangers and Arsenal would receive a portion of the fee, as he developed in their academies.

Can Spurs make the most of Arsenal’s decision?

Admittedly, Tottenham would have to give their rivals some money to sign Ebiowei, which isn’t great.

But if he develops into a top player while at N17, then Spurs would have the last laugh over Arsenal.

Ebiowei has earned rave reviews for his displays this season.

Rooney has hailed Ebiowei’s “incredible” attitude, adding that he was “excellent” in a recent display against Coventry.

And EFL analyst George Elek has described the youngster as an “absolute talent”.

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