North London rivals prepare for battle over Blackburn rebel
After Monday’s revelation that the player had handed in a transfer request at Ewood Park, Christopher Samba is just about certain to leave his club this month, with Arsenal or Tottenham the most likely destinations.
Both clubs have been chasing the signature of the Congolese international for the past year, however Blackburn Rovers have managed to hang on to their talisman until now, but it seems their luck has finally ran out.
The centre-back has been a beacon in the darkness for relegation-threatened Rovers but it seems the club’s disappointing start to the season has proven too traumatic for even this stalwart, and he is now seeking a move away from the side.
QPR are another side known to be interested in the defender, however it remains massively likely that either of the North London sides will gain his signature as they are able to offer the prospect of European football.
Both sides have reason to sign the central defender and after losing out on the purchase of Gary Cahill to Chelsea, Tottenham will feel ready to go in for Samba as they look to beef up their defence.
Ledley King is a constant injury-risk for the side and whilst Sebastian Bassong is fit, he doesn’t seem to figure in the first team plans of Harry Redknapp, leaving only Michael Dawson, William Gallas and Younes Kaboul as recognised club centre-backs.
Having already spent £8m on Per Mertesacker over the summer, it’s far less likely that Arsene Wenger will splurge on another central defender, but it remains possible if Stan Kroenke is will to inject the funds promised at the start of the season.
