Arsenal’s £44m bid set to be accepted but Tottenham could scupper deal

Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, the latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of a Sampdoria duo…

Arsenal are expected to have an improved £44m bid for Sampdoria duo Joachim Andersen and Dennis Praet accepted but Tottenham could yet scupper the double deal, according to reports in Italy via the Daily Star.

Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his Arsenal squad after finishing fifth in the Premier League and losing out to Chelsea in the final of the Europa League last season and the Gunners boss has reportedly identified Andersen and Praet as prime targets.

Arsenal desperately need to improve their defence after conceding 51 goals in the league last campaign and Andersen could be viewed as a long-term replacement for Laurent Koscielny – who’s been linked with a move away from the Emirates.

Emery is also in the market for a creative midfielder to replace Aaron Ramsey as the Welshman prepares to complete his free transfer move to Juventus and the Arsenal chief is seemingly keen on luring Praet to north London.

The 25-year-old has been a key player for Sampdoria since joining the club three years ago and he’s comfortable playing in the center of midfield or on the wing so he’d be a useful addition to Emery’s squad.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Arsenal has seen an opening £37m double bid rejected by Sampdoria but the Daily Star are citing a report from SampNews24 that claims the Gunners will table an improved offer worth £44m imminently.

The Italian outlet – who were the first to break news of Lucas Torreira’s move from Sampdoria to Arsenal last summer – says the improved offer will meet Samdoria’s asking price for Andersen and Praet so a deal could be on the cards.

However, Tottenham could be ready to scupper Arsenal’s hopes of securing a double deal as the report claims Spurs are also keen on Andersen and are ready to submit a £26.5m offer for the Danish centre-back.

Mauricio Pochettino could view Andersen as a replacement for Toby Alderweireld – who’s expected to leave this summer – and Tottenham would be able to offer the 23-year-old Champions League football.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Spurs transfer news

We’ll have to wait and see how things develop over the coming days but it looks like Andersen and Praet could be on the move this summer with the two north London giants heading a transfer battle.