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Arsenal to rival Tottenham for Toby Alderweireld as Spartak Moscow withdraw interest
ARSENAL have joined the race for Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld after Spartak Moscow withdrew their interest in the player.
Reports suggested last week that Spartak were on the verge of sealing a £6m deal for the Belgian international but it seems the Russian club have now withdrawn their interest after failing to agree personal terms with the player.
According to Nieuwsblad Spartak are now thought to have turned their attention to Anzhi defender Joao Carlos, opening the door for Arsenal to join the race for Alderweireld, with the player thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Reports in Belguim and England suggest that Arsenal are now ready to meet Ajax's £6m asking price for Alderweireld, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle this summer.
But the Gunners could still face competition from north London rivals Tottenham, who have a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old, and from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg.
Arsene Wenger now seems ready to spend following the Gunners' opening day defeat to Aston Villa and defence is just one area of the Frenchman's squad that could still use strengthening.
However, according to HLN.be, Alderweireld is demanding £50,000-a-week after taxes in wages, and it remains to be seen whether either Arsenal or Tottenham are willing to meet those demands with Spartak clearly deciding they were excessive.