Arsenal could repeat their William Saliba masterclass by beating Tottenham to the signing of Marcel Sabitzer.

What's the story?

The Austria international has scored three goals and provided a further three assists in 18 games this season for RB Leipzig, but it looks like his stay in the Bundesliga might be nearing its end. with a move to the Premier League seemingly on the cards..

talkSPORT claim that both north London sides are interested in signing the midfielder with journalist Alex Crook revealing: "Tottenham were keen to bring this player to north London in the last transfer window, and Arsenal are also monitoring his situation closely. They will both be encouraged by what we’re hearing over in Germany that he’s turned down a new contract at RB Leipzig, so he’s clearly someone who is looking for pastures new.

"It probably won’t happen in this window, he’s contracted at Leipzig until 2022, but obviously having turned down a new deal I think Leipzig are going to have to start looking at selling him and accepting offers, but probably in the summer."

Another Saliba-esque masterclass

Back in the summer of 2019, the Gunners were reported to be in a transfer battle with their fierce Premier League rivals over the signing of St Etienne starlet Saliba. In the end, Arsenal won the chase for the young Frenchman and struck a major blow to Spurs in the process.

If Mikel Arteta's side could fend off competition from Spurs for Sabitzer this time around, it would once again simultaneously give them a top-class player, and also ensure they keep a key player away from the clutches of their greatest rivals.

The Austrian has been a revelation in his time with Leipzig, developing into a classic goal-scoring midfielder - in fact, in 206 games for the club, he's scored 46 goals and provided a further 38 assists, with Julian Nagelsmann hailing the fact he's become a legitimate "goal threat" now.

Goals from midfield is something the Gunners have completely lacked this campaign, with their highest scoring central midfielder being Joe Willock, who's managed only three.

Given how Leipzig have been Champions League regulars over the past few seasons, and the success that they have enjoyed in the competition too - they were semi-finalists last year and pipped Manchester United to second place in the group stages this season - luring Sabitzer away would be a major statement from Arsenal.

The Gunners would be killing two birds with one stone with a swoop for the 44-cap Sabitzer. They could repeat their masterstroke with Saliba, and also hand Arteta a player he will surely love.

Meanwhile, Arsenal signing this midfielder could get the best out of Thomas Partey...