Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur battle for Kostas Manolas?

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly poised to battle for the signing of Roma defender Kostas Manolas in January.

The Greek centre-back, 24, has impressed since joining the Giallrossi from Olympiacos in the summer of 2014, with both Premier League sides keen.

He was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners prior to joining the Serie A giants but, according to The Mirror, Spurs will rival their neighbours for his signature this winter.

The report goes on to state that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is concerned by regular injuries to first-choice centre-half pairing Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, with Wenger keen on drafting in Manolas as cover.

Koscielny has already missed game time this season due to niggling injuries, while Mertesacker has sat out five matches.

Manolas is contracted to Roma until 2019.