Arsenal and Tottenham Playmaker Target Open to Premier League Move

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a massive transfer boost as their midfielder target Younes Belhanda of Montpellier has now revealed his interest in leaving the Ligue 1 club in the summer, with England being one of his possible destinations.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to one of the north London rivals for some time now. The Moroccan had earlier stated he wants to continue with Montpellier, after the club rejected a January offer from Turkish outfit Fenerbahce. Inter Milan were also reportedly interested in Belhanda, though the Italians denied making a formal offer.

However, the playmaker has now expressed his desire to play in a foreign league, for a club that can guarantee Champions League action, and also named England, Italy and Spain as his preferred destinations.

"My dream is to play for a Champions League club. I am a born competitor and in countries like England, Spain and Italy, there are big clubs that I would like to play one day," Belhanda explained.

It is understood that Arsene Wenger would be handed a £70m transfer kitty at the end of the season, to bolster his squad. The Gunners are currently fifth in the league, with 47 points from 27 games. Meanwhile, with a victory over West Ham United on Monday, Spurs have climbed above Chelsea to the third spot, four points clear of their north London rivals.

Should Arsenal fail to finish the season in the top four, and thereby fail to qualify for next season's Champions League, Spurs could emerge as favourites to land Belhanda.

Mertesacker Wants Derby Win

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said he is keen on finishing the season in the top four and has stressed the importance of a victory against Spurs in the weekend's derby.

"We want to climb up the league into the top four. That's our target for the next couple of weeks. We have enough games to achieve that. The last two home games against Tottenham were absolutely fantastic. We try to keep that in our mind and want to achieve the same things, to score goals. If we play our game properly, we can compete with every team in the Premier League. That's what we need next Sunday," the German told the club website.