Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are supposedly all prepared to go head-to-head for the services of Club Brugge defender Maxim De Cuyper in the January window.
The 24-year-old has been on the books with the Belgian giants since 2008 and is now one of the jewels in their crown, coming up with one goal and four assists in 24 appearances this season.
Officially promoted to the first-team ranks in 2020, De Cuyper has a total of six goals and 19 assists from 84 appearances for Club Brugge, demonstrating his proficiency as an attacking full-back.
Standing just under 6ft tall, De Cuyper also made his senior Belgium debut this year and has now played six times for his country, scoring his first goal against Italy in the UEFA Nations League in October.
De Cuyper's rapid rise was rewarded with a new contract in the summer, and his current terms are not due to expire until 2028, but Club Brugge may be fighting a losing fight to retain his services in 2025.
Arsenal 'at head of queue' for De Cuyper
© Imago
According to CaughtOffside, London giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs have all sent scouts to keep tabs on De Cuyper's performances this season, in addition to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
However, the latter two teams' interest in the 24-year-old is not as advanced as Arsenal, Chelsea or Spurs', and the Gunners are currently at the head of the transfer queue.
The Premier League trio could supposedly try to make their move for De Cuyper as early as January, but the player wants to remain in his homeland for the remainder of the campaign.
A summer switch to England's top flight might be considered by the left-back, though, and Club Brugge would not be expected to turn down a suitable offer for the Belgium international.
De Cuyper's primary position is left-back, but the 24-year-old has also played as a wing-back for Belgium and is not a complete stranger to operating as a left-winger either.
Which club needs De Cuyper the most?
© Imago
It is interesting to learn that Arsenal are supposedly leading the race for De Cuyper's signature, as the Gunners are arguably in the least need of a player of his profile.
All of Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu can operate on the left, although the latter cannot be trusted to stay fit for a whole season.
As for London rivals Spurs, Ben Davies is widely expected to depart when his contract runs out in 2025, although Djed Spence is proving to be a capable backup for Destiny Udogie on the left.
However, Chelsea and Ben Chilwell seem destined to part ways in 2025, and De Cuyper would be a natural successor to the Englishman at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Knapton
