Arsenal & Tottenham to clash over rising Belgian star

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur could be set for a January transfer tussle over the next emerging Belgian star.

According to The Express, both Arsene Wenger and Andre Villas-Boas are interested in Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld and he appears open to a move to north London after recent quotes.

The Belgium international has become more prominent since the departure of compatriot Jan Vertonghen to White Hart Lane and it appears his performances have been noted by the Premier League pair.

Alderweireld can operate as easily in midfield as he does in central defence and has done so to great effect recently, so it is no surprise that clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham have been credited with an interest in him.

The rivals will also have been boosted in their respective pursuits after hearing an interview with Alderweireld.

“Ajax is a very nice club. It won't be hard to play here all my life - but if I had to choose it have to be a nice club like Ajax again and there aren't many of them,” he is quoted as saying to Dutch media.

“But a club such as Arsenal or Tottenham. They are fantastic clubs and would be a step forward.”

The 23-year-old would not only be joining international teammates at Spurs, Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen, another former Ajax star and current Belgium star, Thomas Vermaelen, is captain at Arsenal.