Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly interested in Burnley defender James Tarkowski and are set to battle each other for the player.
According to a report from The Times, Burnley defender James Tarkowski is on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester City. The two Premier League hotshots are now keen on the Englishman and are set to battle each other for the player.
James Tarkowski has become synonymous with Burnley and their Premier League journey so far. While he was always regarded as a good defender, Michael Keane’s departure has seen him become a rather invaluable asset at the back for the Clarets, who are flying under Sean Dyche this season.
Burnley sit pretty at sixth on the table and have deserved the position based on their performances so far. However, the rise in standings could lead to widespread interest in their players. And it seems to have started already, with James Tarkowski on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Tarkowski has featured in every single minute of Burnley’s Premier League campaign this season, with the defender part of a backline that has kept 9 clean sheets in a total of 18 games.
Arsenal and Manchester City are planning to make a move for Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski (25).
Burnley will not entertain offers for Tarkowski in January but could look to sell the defender at the end of the season. [The Times] pic.twitter.com/CMEnBtrzba
— City Chief ️ (@City_Chief) December 21, 2017
Arsenal have been eyeing additions to the central defence, with Per Mertesacker likely to call it quits at the end of the season while Calum Chambers and Rob Holding have failed to leave an impression thus far. With Shkodran Mustafi also linked with other clubs, the Gunners’ need to beef up their options seems more than reasonable.
Manchester City on the other hand, could use James Tarkowski as an alternative to Jonny Evans, who Pep Guardiola has been targeting since the summer. With Arsenal and United both in for the West Brom defender, Tarkowski could be a more than worthy alternative to consider.
Also, at 25, Tarkowski is likely to provide more years of service compared to Evans. Burnley on the other hand, will not want to let the player leave come summer, which is when the two teams are looking to pursue the 25-year-old.
Tarkowski himself could opt to continue at Turf Moor, especially if Burnley miraculously manage to seal a chance to play in Europe for the following term – a prospect that seems a reality as far as their current position is concerned.
With the club now turning a new leaf as far as their stature in the Premier League is concerned, the Clarets themselves, should now be looking to show their intent and ability to retain players, unlike what happened in the case of Michael Keane.