North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly going head-to-head for the services of an 18-year-old playmaker making waves at West Ham United.
Daniel Rigge left the Manchester City youth system to join the Irons in the summer of 2022 and has been one of the stars of the Under-18 Premier League this season, registering 11 goals and six assists in 19 appearances.
Rigge largely plays as a number 10, but he is also comfortable on both wings and in a deeper midfield position, and his exceptional form at Under-18 level saw him promoted to the Under-21s side earlier this year.
Back in January, the Englishman scored on his Premier League 2 debut in a 4-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion, and he earned his first start for the Under-21s in Friday's 3-1 defeat to Leicester City.
A former England Under-16 international, Stockport-born Rigge was handed his first professional West Ham contract in October, and those terms are not due to expire until the end of the 2025-26 season.
However, West Ham will be braced for offers from rival clubs in the summer transfer window, as ESPN claims that both Arsenal and Tottenham are showing an interest in signing the 18-year-old.
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Rigge hints at long-term West Ham stay
The report claims that Tottenham - whose Under-21 side are top of the Premier League 2 table with 46 points from 19 matches - are currently at the head of the queue, but both Arsenal and Manchester United are lurking in the background.
However, upon signing his first professional deal with West Ham in October, Rigge hinted that he could envisage himself remaining at the London Stadium for the long-term, telling the club's website: "I am very proud.
"It is a huge moment for me and my family because it is every young player's dream to sign their first professional contract, especially at a club like West Ham United. It has given me a lot of confidence that the Club believes in me and hopefully I can do well at West Ham in the future.
"I have really enjoyed my time here so far. I felt really welcomed when I arrived ahead of last season and I am delighted to continue my development here."
Arsenal emerged triumphant from a thrilling North London derby with Tottenham in Sunday's headline Premier League fixture, where Spurs fought back from 3-0 down to 3-2 but could not complete a remarkable comeback.
The Gunners' success leaves them one point clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table having played a game more than the champions, while Spurs remain fifth, seven points worse off than Aston Villa with two matches in hand.
Ange Postecoglou's men have three full days to recover before tackling Chelsea in Thursday's London derby, two days before Arsenal host Bournemouth in Saturday's lunchtime kickoff.
Ben Knapton
