By OkayGoal 
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are the ‘most serious candidates’ to sign Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz this summer, according to Sports Boom.
The north London rivals are set to battle it out for the 26-year-old Moroccan international, who has just one year remaining on his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and is keen to leave in search of regular first-team football.
Tottenham first explored a move for Diaz in the final days of the January window, and are now preparing to make a more formal push when the summer transfer window opens.
Real Madrid are described as ‘extremely satisfied’ with Diaz and are not actively looking to sell, but the club may reconsider if the player pushes for an exit. Los Blancos are expected to demand between €40 million and €45 million for the former Manchester City man, a figure Arsenal are already working towards, with the Gunners reportedly preparing a package worth €35 million plus bonuses to test Madrid’s resolve.
Brentford and Crystal Palace have also made enquiries, though neither club carries the weight in this race that Arsenal and Spurs do.
Why Brahim Diaz suits both Tottenham and Arsenal’s attacking systems
The two clubs want Diaz for different reasons, which tells you something about how versatile he is as a player.
Tottenham see him as the ‘perfect link-man’ for their high-transition system (a quick, technically gifted attacker who can operate between the lines and connect midfield with attack at pace) and for a Spurs side that has sorely missed that profile since selling Heung-min Son last summer, Diaz would address a genuine gap that has been exposed repeatedly this season.
Arsenal’s interest is driven by a different tactical need. Mikel Arteta sees Diaz as a player capable of opening up low defensive blocks (the kind of opponent that has frustrated the Gunners in big games in the past couple of seasons).
His ability to find pockets of space, combine quickly, and create from wide or central positions gives Arteta a different option to the ones already available in his squad. Both clubs have a convincing case for why he fits, which makes this particular battle an interesting one to watch unfold.
Brahim Diaz Real Madrid contract situation gives Tottenham and Arsenal an opening
The one year remaining on Diaz’s deal at the Bernabeu is significant as Real Madrid face a straightforward choice, sell now for a meaningful fee, or risk losing him for nothing in twelve months.
That dynamic works in Arsenal and Tottenham’s favour, and both clubs will be well aware that their negotiating position gets stronger the closer Diaz gets to the final months of his contract without a renewal agreed.
Whether Madrid push for an extension or open the door to a sale will depend largely on Diaz’s own stance. If he signals a desire to leave and get regular football somewhere, Los Blancos are unlikely to stand in his way, particularly if the money on the table helps fund other targets on their summer list.
The €40 million to €45 million valuation is not an unreasonable figure for a player of his quality and age, and it is well within Arsenal’s reach even before the bonus structure is factored in.
Tottenham’s need for Brahim Diaz more urgent than Arsenal
Both clubs want him, but Tottenham’s need feels considerably more pressing. Arsenal have genuine attacking depth, with multiple options across the front line that Arteta can rotate.
Tottenham have struggled badly for creative quality in the final third all season. They failed to adequately replace Son’s goal threat last summer, did not strengthen in January, and are heading into what could be a major squad rebuild with a clear hole in attack that Diaz would go a long way to filling.
The relegation question adds another layer of complexity.
If Tottenham drop to the Championship, their ability to attract a player of Diaz’s profile changes dramatically.
Arsenal competing in the Champions League, would suddenly become a far more appealing destination by comparison.
