Report: Arsenal want 'unbelievable' £10m youngster after display

By Jordan Harris

Arsenal are one of the sides interested in signing Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, with the Daily Mirror reporting that there is a growing expectation that the 21-year-old will seal a deal before the January transfer window closes.

Spence has been a revelation in the Championship this term – though not for Boro. He was loaned to Nottingham Forest at the end of the summer window.

Of course, he was part of the Forest side that knocked Mikel Arteta’s men out of the FA Cup this month. Ian Wright went on to label his performance’ unbelievable‘.

Spence cannot play for another club this season. However, that may not put off his list of admirers, which has become fairly lengthy.

The Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal and Southampton want to hand him a chance in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho wants him at Roma, and Inter Milan are also keen.

The report claims Middlesbrough value Spence at around £10 million. And they add that there is a growing expectation that he could seal a move this month. He would then return on loan – presumably, back to Forest.

The Daily Mirror notes that Hector Bellerin is almost certain to leave the Emirates this summer. The Spaniard is currently on loan at Real Betis.

‘Unbelievable’ Djed Spence could be a shrewd addition for Arsenal

Spence would be an exciting addition for Arsenal. He was outstanding against Arteta’s side. And he previously impressed against Tottenham in the same competition.

Arsenal may also have an advantage in that they have already done business with Boro this month. It was Chris Wilder’s men who took Folarin Balogun on loan.

Boro were happy to let Spence leave on loan, and subsequently stay at Forest this month despite his form. So they may have few qualms about cashing in – even with some real heavyweights eyeing a move.

Arsenal have a fantastic right-back in Takehiro Tomiyasu. Signing Spence as cover would have the potential to be an incredibly shrewd piece of business.