Arsenal make Djed Spence summer transfer decision

It feels like an age since Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage, but the impression left by Djed Spence has been long-lasting.

As Mikel Arteta’s side prepare to face Wolves in the Premier League potentially without key right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu, a position that could prove to be a problem area for Arsenal, the speculation surrounding Spence has intensified.

Attracting admiring glances for his performance in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 victory earlier in January, there was even talk of a late deadline day move for the defender with the Gunners rivaling Tottenham for his signature.

No such bid arrived but another storming performance at right wing-back in Forest’s 4-1 victory over Leicester has kept supporters keen on a summer move.

Arsenal make Djed Spence summer transfer decision to not pursue Middlesbrough right-back as Tottenham interest looks set to intensify

It appears, however, that despite Arsenal’s interest over recent months a decision has been made to ease off the signing of Spence on account of tactical specifications. As per football.london, his eye-catching attacking qualities are not as suited to the Gunners’ style as they are for Antonio Conte’s Spurs, meaning a move looks ‘unlikely’.

Some variation at right-back would be welcome, although the specific 3-4-3 shape that Tottenham adopt means Spence is a better fit at right wing-back as he is to the more reserved role first choice Tomiyasu plays in north London.

Tottenham’s Managing Director of Football, Fabio Paratici, was also in attendance at the City Ground to watch Spence in action, which comes off the back of Spurs’ lodging two unsuccessful deadline day bids.

ESPN reported that Tottenham submitted two offers to Spence’s parent club Middlesbrough, with both being rejected by Chris Wilder’s side as they hold out for a bigger fee in the summer. Given the aforementioned report of Arsenal being unlikely to move for Spence on account of tactical reasons, it appears the club will have to looks elsewhere for new right-back cover.

Whoever does join the club will have to do so knowing that their chances of regular football are highly limited: Tomiyasu is the undisputed number one at the club and such a fundamental cog in the defence and build-up that his place looks under little to no threat.

Cover will be needed at some stage, though, with Cedric hardly pulling up any trees.