Prem rivals battle for Makoun

Gunners and Spurs chase Cameroon international

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 12th May 2008

Jean Makoun800x600

Makoun: Wanted man

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Arsenal and Tottenham are believed to be eyeing up a summer swoop for Lille's Jean Makoun.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos has been an admirer of the midfielder since his time in charge of Sevilla and could be tempted into a move.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are desperate to find a replacement for the Milan-bound Mathieu Flamini and see the Cameroonian as the ideal candidate.

Arsenal are rumoured to have already made tentative enquires as to the player's availability and may return with a firm offer.

Makoun is not just drawing attention from North London though, with Juventus, Monaco and Marseille also said to be interested.

However, with Lille understandably keen to retain the services of the 24-year-old it would take an offer of around 14million euros (£11million) to tempt the Ligue 1 club into a sale.

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If Arsenal fail to lure Makoun to Emirates Stadium Arsene Wenger is then likely to switch his attention to Sevilla's Seydou Keita.

The Mali international revealed at the weekend that a top four club in England has been in contact concerning a close-season transfer, but Spanish giants Barcelona are also keeping close tabs on the situation.