Tottenham have held talks over a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
With James Maddison set to miss the majority of the season after suffering an a serious knee injury and Dejan Kulusevski also facing a significant spell on the sidelines, Spurs are keen on adding some more creativity to the squad.
Eze has emerged as a target and discussions have now taken place with Palace as Spurs attempt to beat Arsenal to sign the 27-year-old.
Eze has a £68m release clause which expires on Friday.
Arsenal are also interested in Eze, who was in their academy before being released at the age of 13, and Arteta confirmed last weekend the Gunners are open to doing more transfer business.
“Let’s see what happens, in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks,” said Arteta. “But, we are actively looking at options. As well, there are a few players that, maybe, they have to leave as well. So, we will be open to see what happens.”
Arsenal would ideally like to sell before adding to their squad and a number of players could leave before the window closes on September 1.
Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Karl Hein and Reiss Nelson are looking for new clubs, while Leandro Trossard and Oleksandr Zinchenko could also go.
The departure of Trossard may prove significant as Eze could replace the Belgian in the Arsenal squad by playing off the left flank or as a No8.
Arsenal and other clubs are aware of the release clause in Eze’s contract, but it is thought the Gunners want to play less than that amount.
Spurs are also looking to sign Manchester City winger Savinho.
A potential move for Eze does not impact that interest, with the club exploring the possibility of signing both players.
Talks have been held over Savinho, though City's stance is that the 21-year-old is not for sale.
That could be tested if Savinho expresses a desire to join Spurs, as Pep Guardiola is normally keen to let players to go who do not want to be at the club.
