Arsenal have less than two weeks to improve the squad, and the latest player to be linked with a move to London is AS Roma striker Erik Lamela, however, which club in London remains the question, as Tottenham Hotspur are battling it out with their rival for the 21-year old player’s signature.

The Gunners are in a desperate attempt to add to the squad, as they deal with the supporters’ disappointment over the opening weekend defeat in the Barclays Premier League against Aston Villa. However, the recovery process has already begun, as Wednesday night saw the side beat Fenerbache three goals to the good away at Turkey. The UEFA Champions League playoff round was an important stage for the club, as they have consistently been qualifying for the group stage of the competition over the past decade. The impressive win, which was helped by goals from Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud, came at the best time for Wenger, who will feel he earned time to win back the fans who booed his side off at the weekend.

Tottenham are in a desperate situation of their own, with Real Madrid winning the battle to secure the signing of Gareth Bale in a world record bid. The cash inflow from the transfer is being used to prepare multiple players who will sign at White Hart Lane. Lamela remains one of Andre Villas-Boas’ targets, and the latter will want to use the newfound monetary power to beat Arsenal.

Lamela, an Argentine, began his career at native club River Plate, where he developed his game as a youth player. He was offered his first professional contract in 2009, and played two seasons for the club, representing them on 36 occasions and scoring 4 goals. Italian giants Roma came calling in 2011, and the striker made the continent switch to Europe. Lamela has played 62 matches for Roma, scoring 21 goals in the process.

According to Metro, while Spurs are busy securing the signing of Willian, Arsenal could catch them off guard, and sign the Argentine youngster.