TBR Football understands that Tottenham and Arsenal could once again go head-to-head in the transfer window after also doing so for Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie.
Tottenham Hotspur need to step up their transfer plans quickly in the final six days of the window, having added just two new players to Thomas Frank’s squad so far.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to add the finishing touches to Mikel Arteta’s squad, with a defender seemingly the priority.
TBR Football has now been informed that the two North London clubs remain keen on the same player and could make their move for him in the coming days.
Sources: Tottenham and Arsenal remain keen on Nathan Collins
Brentford have made it clear they are not looking to let captain Nathan Collins leave this week, despite renewed interest in the Irish defender, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.
Earlier this summer, TBR Football revealed that Arsenal and Tottenham were keen on Collins, and that remains the case, with both clubs still in the market for a left-sided defender.
Arsenal and Tottenham have held talks about Piero Hincapie, but Bayer Leverkusen are demanding his release clause in full, which is over £50 million and could be an issue.
Liverpool have also shown an interest in Collins, although Marc Guehi remains their top target this summer. The Reds have also signed Giovanni Leoni, but are keen to sign one more defender.
TBR Football can now reveal that Brentford have made it clear to this point that Collins is not for sale, and Keith Andrews would be loath to entertain losing his fellow countryman.
Bailey told TBR Football: “There is major interest in Collins, he has improved every season he has been in the Premier League, and I am told that the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are all major admirers.
“Collins has just been handed the captain’s armband at Brentford, but I am told his situation is one to keep an eye on in the final week.”
Nathan Collins’ record playing under Thomas Frank
Frank is a big fan of Collins, having previously labelled him as ‘very good’ during their time together at Brentford.
The 24-year-old made 70 Premier League appearances playing under the Danish manager and quickly became a key player for him.
Spurs need to add to their defensive options, as TBR Football understands that Tottenham are unconvinced by Radu Dragusin and are open to sending Luka Vuskovic out on loan this summer.
That would leave Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Kota Takai as their only defensive options.