Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly set to rival Manchester City in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick.
A recent report from 90 min has offered an update on the future of Patrik Schick. The Bayer Leverkusen forward has become one of the hottest prospects in the European market, with multiple clubs keen on securing his services.
Manchester City were one of the first clubs to have set their sights on Schick this month, identifying him as a potential alternative for top targets such as Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland. The recent departure of Ferran Torres to Barcelona can only fast-track their pursuit of a new forward either in January or next summer.
However, it appears the Manchester City are set to face stiff competition from Arsenal and Tottenham in the pursuit of Schick. The two north London giants are both closely monitoring the progress of the former RB Leipzig star, who has 16 goals in just 14 Bundesliga matches this term. He was also the joint top-goalscorer in UEFA Euro 2020, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arsenal, in particular, are desperate for a new face in the offensive unit as they prepare for life without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese international has fallen out of favour both on and off the pitch, with Newcastle United among the clubs interested in his services.
The Gunners are also facing a battle to keep hold of Alexandre Lacazette, whose contract at the Emirates expires at the end of the season. The Frenchman has already emerged as a target for Inter Milan, thus accentuating the need for Arsenal to sign a new forward.
Tottenham Hotspur are another potential suitor for Schick, with the Leverkusen forward likely being considered as an ideal replacement for Harry Kane. The English international is expected to leave the club after the end of the season amid interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City, among many other top clubs in Europe.
While Tottenham’s managerial director Fabio Paratici is primarily keen on landing Vlahovic, the Fiorentina forward’s €100 million price tag makes Schick an excellent alternative in the club’s bid to reinforce their goalscoring options.
However, the report suggests that Bayer Leverkusen are under no pressure to offload their star striker anytime soon. In fact, they are keen on keeping hold of Schick’s services this season, knowing this involvement could go a long way in helping them secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga. Even in the summer, Leverkusen are likely to put a hefty price-tag on the Czech international, one that is likely to exceed the €50 million mark.
