ARSENAL and West Ham are both reportedly considering a late bid to hijack Napoli’s deal for Celta Vigo midfielder Stanislav Lobotka.
Polish media outlet Przeglad Sportowy claim representatives for the Slovakian have already been to London for talks over a move.
Napoli have reignited their own interest in Lobotka after Arsenal made it clear that Lucas Torreira wouldn’t be for sale in January.
The Italian giants have already had an 18million offer for the 25-year-old rebuffed, with Celta Vigo holding out for closer to 28m.
Lobotka has been linked with a move to the San Paolo Stadium in recent seasons after reportedly being recommended by former Napoli captain and fellow Slovakian Marek Hamsik.
The midfielder was also rumoured to be close to a move to West Ham last summer in a double deal for him and his then-teammate Maxi Gomez.
The latter ultimately signed for Valencia, while former Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini opted to sign 24m Pablo Fornals over Lobotka instead.
Lobotka, who became the first Slovak to score at Wembley in a 2-1 defeat to England in 2017, was also a target for ex-Arsenal chief Unai Emery.
The box-to-box midfielder spent time in Ajax’s fabled academy before making his name at Danish outfit Nordsjaelland.
Spanish side Celta Vigo swooped to secure his signature where he has since seen his value sky-rocket thanks to some impressive performances.
Arsenal are back in the market for a midfielder with former club captain Granit Xhaka closing in on a move to Hertha Berlin.
The Gunners have already eyed a loan to buy deal for Juventus outcast Adrien Rabiot as well as a return to ex-target Thomas Lemar.
West Ham’s priority meanwhile is set to be on appointing a new manager after Pellegrini was given the boot following a run of just two wins in 14 games.
