Arsenal are plotting a shock summer move for Tottenham defender and Manchester United target Toby Alderweireld, according to reports.
Spurs triggered a 12-month extension on the Belgian’s deal at the beginning of the year after failing to reach an agreement over a new contract.
By taking up the extension, Spurs activated a £25million release clause which kicks in when the summer transfer window opens.
So far there have been no official approaches for the 30-year-old, though any bid that matches the release clause has to be accepted up to July 26 – two weeks before the transfer deadline.
According to The Sun, Arsenal are said to monitoring the situation of the centre-back, with the Gunners reportedly looking for cut-price deals in the market.
If the Emirates club fail to qualify for the Champions League, they could have as little as £40million to spend in the window to try and get back among the top clubs in the country.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Alderweireld in recent years, especially last summer, but a deal was vetoed by the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward due to fears Alderweireld could not play as part of a two-man defence.
Manchester City may also be willing to pounce on the defender, with injury-prone club captain Vincent Kompany turning 33 last week.