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Arsenal and Tottenham scouted £20m star dubbed the new Roy Keane at the weekend

Billy Meyers

Mon 25 November 2024 11:45, UK

• EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey

Arsenal and Tottenham both possess some exquisite young talent.

The Gunners boast the precocious Bukayo Saka, along with 17-year-old wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri and William Saliba, while Tottenham also have a rich crop of prospects such as Micky van de Ven, Pape Sarr, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Will Lankshear.

Along with the guidance of senior stars too, these young talents have helped the Gunners and Spurs sit in the top six of the Premier League at the time of writing.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	12	10	1	1	24	8	16	31
2	Man CityManchester City	12	7	2	3	22	17	5	23
3	ChelseaChelsea	12	6	4	2	23	14	9	22
4	ArsenalArsenal	12	6	4	2	21	12	9	22
5	BrightonBrighton	12	6	4	2	21	16	5	22
6	TottenhamTottenham	12	6	1	5	27	13	14	19

Despite this, the north Londoners are still on the lookout to add more elite talent to their respective squads, with sources informing TBR Football that Arsenal and Tottenham had scouts watching Chris Rigg at the weekend.

Arsenal and Tottenham scouting Sunderland’s Chris Rigg

TBR Football have now been told that Arsenal and Tottenham had scouts in attendance at The Den on Saturday to watch Sunderland’s 1-1 draw against Millwall.

It is believed Rigg – who is just 17 years of age – was the reason for Arsenal and Tottenham making the trip down to south London, with the north Londoners keen to take a look at the outstanding teenager.

The Sunderland No.11 is currently enjoying a special campaign, scoring three goals in 15 Championship appearances from central midfield as the Black Cats sit second.

TBR Football are also aware that Rigg – who has been compared to Roy Keane – was being watched by scouts from Crystal Palace, West Ham and Brentford as well.

The Hebburn-born wonderkid impressed against the Lions, registering two key passes, two clearances, two successful ground duels as well as two aerial duels, while also winning two freekicks.

Tottenham also like Tom Watson – as do Crystal Palace and West Ham

While Rigg – who is valued at £20m – was the main point of attraction at The Den on Saturday, his Sunderland teammate Tom Watson also had admirers.

TBR Football have been informed that Spurs were also watching the 18-year-old winger, who has broken into the starting XI at Sunderland after netting five goals and assisting another four in just five Premier League 2 appearances this season.

Crystal Palace and West Ham are also believed to be tracking Watson.

It will presumably be tough to negotiate with Sunderland in January as the Black Cats currently sit second in the Championship and look good for promotion, although Premier League clubs are lurking nonetheless.