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Tottenham and Arsenal both contemplating Bayern Munich deals

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal is closed down by Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier of Tottenham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal is closed down by Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier of Tottenham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /
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Tottenham, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are involved in a transfer triangle

Don’t expect Tottenham and Arsenal to do any direct transfer business anytime soon. The North London rivals will not be swapping any players this summer. However, both clubs are involved in a sordid summer transfer triangle with German giants Bayern Munich.

As a result, the transfer interests of the two Premier League clubs could affect one another. Both may want to deal with Bayern Munich to make pretty seismic changes to their respective attacks. Spurs want to bring a bright talent to White Hart Lane, while Arsenal may be forced to begrudgingly sell one of their best players.

Bayern, predictably, have emerged as one of the top suitors for Alexis Sanchez. Arsene Wenger would prefer to keep hold of his Chilean talisman this summer, but the lack of progress in contract negotiations make that an increasingly unlikely outcome. Carlo Ancelotti’s club would be delighted to add Alexis to play alongside their own Chilean star, Arturo Vidal.

In sharp contrast, Tottenham want to bring Douglas Costa from Bayern to the Premier League. Most Spurs attacking transfer chatter has centred around Wilfried Zaha and Ross Barkley to date. Costa’s burst onto the scene relatively recently. He’s certainly a viable alternative to the Crystal Palace winger. The fact that he may be available for a smaller transfer fee will appeal to Daniel Levy as well.

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Those two transfers could happen independent of one another, but seemingly either could help make the second move more likely. Bayern already seem content to jettison Costa, but bringing in a talent like Alexis would make it an even easier decision. His firepower would more than cover what Costa was supposed to provide the Bundesliga champions.

If Alexis makes the move to Germany first, it could make Costa even cheaper for Tottenham to acquire. That’s not something Arsenal want to make happen, but they aren’t going to let it stand in their way of making the best deal they can for Alexis. Wenger and company will be inclined to look at their own interests first.

Next: Tottenham targeting a Premier League alternative to Wilfried Zaha

If Bayern are smart, they will find a way to play the two English rivals against one another this summer. It might help them purchase Alexis for less, sell Costa for more, or achieve both at the same time. It’s an enviable position for Ancelotti’s club.

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