Spurs leapfrog Arsenal in race for one of the ‘top’ No. 8s in Europe – report

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Spurs have reportedly emerged as frontrunners – ahead of the likes of Arsenal – in the race for Mattias Svanberg.

According to i, Tottenham are ready to make the 24-year-old Antonio Conte’s first signing.

A month ago, Il Resto del Carlino claimed the Gunners had also taken a shine to Svanberg.

Both Tottenham and Arsenal have aces in their sleeve as they reportedly seek to land the Sweden international.

Spurs “know him very, very well” due to their Serie A connections.

Meanwhile, the Gunners signed Takehiro Tomiyasu – Svanberg’s former teammate – from Bologna in the summer.

But according to i, Tottenham are now leading the race for the talented midfielder.

Manchester City are also apparently in the running for Svanberg.

A source told i: “He’s probably one of the top four or five No 8’s in Europe – that’s how good he is.

“Spurs already know him very, very well because of the Italians involved in the club now.”

Svanberg’s Bologna contract runs until 2023, and he reportedly turned down a contract extension not long ago.

This means the club could look to cash in on their asset next year – and Spurs and Arsenal could potentially pounce.

Svanberg joined Bologna from Malmo for a reported £4million in 2018.

He has made 104 competitive appearances for the club, and has also won 15 Sweden caps.

Fans on Twitter have compared him to Ilkay Gundogan and Teun Koopmeiners.