Arsenal ‘keeping tabs’ on Barcelona defender as Djed Spence transfer race intensifies

Arsenal are flying in their race to land a top four spot, and are building up a commanding advantage.

The Gunners are now in fourth place, a point clear and with three games in hand still to play having seen off Watford over the weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s men are now overwhelming favourites to secure Champions League football via a top four finish, and many fans will already be dreaming of glamorous new signings ready for a Champions League campaign.

The job is not done yet, but Arsenal chiefs will already be planning, and we have rounded up all the latest transfer rumours concerning the Gunners.

Spence race intensifies

The Gunners are said to be interested in Middlesbrough full-back Djed Spence.

According to Sky Germany, Arsenal and Manchester City are interested in a move for the full-back, who is currently on loan with Nottingham Forest.

Spence is said to be worth around £15million, and the 21-year-old is being tipped for a huge future following some impressive performances in the Championship and FA Cup.

Lenglet chatter

Arsenal could be in the race to land Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet this summer.

The Gunners are said to be likely to push for a new centre-back, and Lenglet could well be on the way out of Barca this summer.

Lenglet is under a long-term deal at Camp Nou, but with Barcelona set to strengthen at centre-back themselves, he could be the first out, and Fichajes say Arsenal could be interested in snapping him up if so.

Maitland-Niles deal unlikely

Arsenal look unlikely to sell Ainsley Maitland-Niles to AS Roma this summer.

The midfielder joined Roma on a loan deal in January, but he has struggled to impress in Italy so far.

Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness report Arsenal’s hopes of selling Maitland-Niles to the Serie A side on a permanent deal are little more than a ‘pipe dream’ at this point.