Tottenham and Arsenal set to tussle for Norwich starlet
Max Aarons isn’t the sort of player who is going to help either Tottenham or Arsenal immediately, but he could be a solid addition for the future.
Given the nature of Tottenham and Arsenal’s rivalry on the pitch, it’s no surprise to learn that it’s carrying over into the transfer market more and more these days. Norwich fullback Max Aarons may be the latest player to feel the push and pull of the North London rivalry.
The Mirror reports that Arsenal are determined to match any reasonable offer Spurs make for the 19-year-old right back. Earlier reports claimed Tottenham were willing to pay somewhere around £15 million to secure his services. Any deal for Aaron’s will be contingent on the Premier League club loaning him back to Norwich for the remainder of the current season.
It’s safe to say that both Spurs and the Gunners are more interested in Aarons’ potential than his current level of production. He’s been a solid player for the Canaries through 20 Championship appearances this season, but he hasn’t been anything special. A Whoscored.com player rating average of 6.89 makes it very clear he has a long way to go before he’s ready for the bright lights of Premier League action.
Nonetheless, investing in young, English talent is always a wise move for big Premier League sides. Tottenham currently are one homegrown player short of their allotment. In other words, Mauricio Pochettino is forced to go into the campaign with a slightly smaller squad than his competitors.
If Aarons is given the choice between the two clubs, don’t be surprised if he opts for Arsenal. Unai Emery has more playing time available at right back. Hector Bellerin is firmly entrenched as the club’s starter at the moment, but there are constant murmurs of his desire to return to Spain. It’s easy to envision Aarons serving as his understudy for a season or two before assuming the starting position.
At Tottenham, the youngster would need to defeat both Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker-Peters to find his way into the starting XI. Trippier’s lack of athleticism might make him vulnerable to a challenge from a younger, more dynamic player, but Walker-Peters seems tailor-made for the way Pochettino likes to play. The fact that he’s only a couple of years older than Aarons might give the Championship player serious pause.
Next. Tottenham eye cut rate move for Championship starlet. dark
No matter where he goes, look for Aarons to be the property of a Premier League side when the January transfer window ends. Norwich fans should enjoy their slick fullback while they still have the chance.