Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to target Stuttgart midfielder Enzo Millot in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners and Spurs have both endured disappointing seasons for vastly different reasons, with Mikel Arteta's side failing to compete against Liverpool for the title while Ange Postecoglou's team are currently in 14th place in the league.
Both clubs will almost certainly need to strengthen in the next transfer window if they are to achieve their respective goals, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal will have the budget for much activity considering their reported interest in Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.
As for Tottenham, they could find themselves with a new manager in the 2025-26 campaign and chairman Daniel Levy will have to decide whether he can trust Postecoglou with further expenditure.
However, BILD claim that Arsenal and Spurs are interested in the signature of 22-year-old Stuttgart midfielder Millot, who can be bought for as little as £16.8m due to a release clause in his contract.
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Arsenal's midfield needs
Though Arsenal will likely focus on strengthening in attack, Arteta may need to make further additions in midfield given the uncertain futures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are both out of contract at the end of the season.
Millot is capable of playing in deeper or more advanced positions and is comfortable at progressing the ball via passing or carrying.
The Gunners have long been linked with a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, but he is a specialised defensive midfielder, and it is difficult to see Millot consistently playing in deep zones.
However, given the players that could leave the club and the potential fee that his side may have to pay to sign a forward, Arteta could have to make do with a cheaper alternative to Zubimendi.
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Tottenham's midfield needs
There is an argument that Spurs already have a number of capable players in midfield, with the likes of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall all strong options.
Pundits such as Jamie Carragher have criticised Postecoglou for his tactical approach without the ball, and perhaps the club would be better defensively if the Australian coach adapted his playing style to combat counter-attacks.
However, Spurs have suffered an unprecedented injury crisis this term that impacted players across the team, including midfield stars like Rodrigo Bentancur.
Tottenham might benefit from reinforcing in midfield to prevent another injury crisis, but they could have to do significantly more business than Arsenal in the coming transfer window and so must ensure that they bring in the right players for the right manager.
Lewis Nolan
