Arsenal and Tottenham in NINE-club transfer battle for ‘next Lautaro Martinez’ and Racing midfielder Charly Alcaraz

ARSENAL and Tottenham have joined the bidding war over the "next Lautaro Martinez", reports suggest.

That is according to , who report that Racing star Charly Alcaraz has attracted interest from NINE popular clubs, including the Gunners, Spurs and Wolves.

Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan and PSV Eindhoven are also keeping tabs on the midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old has been dubbed the next Lautaro even though he plays in a different position because he is set to attract a significant fee, just like his fellow Argentine who also played for Racing.

Alcaraz has a contract until 2026 and a release clause worth $25million (£20.5m).

But the Argentinean club could agree to let him go for $20m (£16m) as things stand.

Racing sold Lautaro to Inter in 2018 for $27m (£22m) and he went on to become one of the most exciting strikers in the world.

Alcaraz is one of the most promising young talents in Latin America that keeps growing on the pitch.

The versatile midfielder has amassed a total of five goals and two assists in 17 matches this season.

The teenager was promoted to Racing's senior squad in 2020 after a three-year stint in the academy.

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He has since registered eight goals and six assists in 58 appearances across all competitions.

Alcaraz can cover all positions in midfield and has also played as a winger.