EPL sides Arsenal and Burnley are said to be interested in signing Stoke City centre-back Nathan Collins during the ongoing transfer window but it looks like the Gunners are not currently the favourites.
A report in The Sun claims: “BURNLEY and Arsenal are battling it out for Stoke’s Nathan Collins — and Sean Dyche has a real chance.
“Potters’ defender Collins, 19, is the Clarets’ top choice to replace James Tarkowski in a £10million deal.
“He is the type of signing the new American owners want for their long-term plans — and they could even bid BEFORE Tarkowski is sold.
“But the Gunners also have their sights on young colossus Collins as a future star — and from the club where they found legendary pair Lee Dixon and Steve Bould.”
EPL transfer: Collins moving to Burnley or Arsenal?
Nathan Collins will be allowed to leave this month by Stoke City if they can get a transfer fee of £10 million and this something that is causing the Gunners a few issues.
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As things stand, Burnley have cash to spend on a player like Nathan Collins but Arsenal will have to find more funds if they wish to challenge their EPL rivals in the coming days.
Mikel Arteta has hinted that he is planning to bring in a few new players before the January transfer window shuts down meaning the North London side will have to spend every penny very wisely.
Already, Arsenal have several centre-backs at their disposal so even if they miss out on Nathan Collins this month, it should not be a big cause of concern for Arteta but the Stoke City lad is a player for the future who is currently available on a cut-price deal.
Apart from Arsenal and Burnley, clubs like Manchester United and Crystal Palace have also been linked with the 19-year-old but we doubt if they will make any sort of formal move this month.
Nathan Collins has been stellar in defence for Stoke City this season and so far he’s featured in 19 Championship games for Martin O’Neill’s side. A move to the EPL this month looks almost certain for the Irish defender but we’ll have to wait and as if his next destination is the Emirates or Turf Moor.
