Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez is caught in the middle of a potential transfer tug-of-war between North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Reports claim both clubs are interested, but the sudden frenzy surrounding the player raises suspicion. Could this be a well-timed tactic by Gimenez’s representatives to drive up his value?

Feyenoord's Argentine forward Santiago Gimenez celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Dutch Eredivisie football match between FC Utrecht and Feyenoord at The Galgenwaard Stadium in Utrecht on September 3, 2023. (Photo by OLAF KRAAK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Feyenoord’s Argentine forward Santiago Gimenez celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Dutch Eredivisie football match between FC Utrecht and Feyenoord at The Galgenwaard Stadium in Utrecht on September 3, 2023. (Photo by OLAF KRAAK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal have reportedly joined rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the rumoured race to sign Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez. Sources close to the player claim interest from both clubs, but the timing of these reports raises questions.

Journalist Rudy Galetti claims Arsenal have been watching Gimenez for some time and have him on their summer wishlist. This comes alongside recent reports of Tottenham ramping up their pursuit, with claims of ongoing negotiations and the potential of finalising a deal even before the summer window.

Is the hype real?

Ajax' Bosnian defender #37 Josip Sutalo (L) fights for the ball with Feyenoord's Mexican forward #29 Santiago Gimenez (R) during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord at The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on September 24, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Ajax’ Bosnian defender #37 Josip Sutalo (L) fights for the ball with Feyenoord’s Mexican forward #29 Santiago Gimenez (R) during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord at The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on September 24, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

The sudden attention on Gimenez seems a bit opportunistic. Could this be a ploy by his representatives to drum up interest and spark a bidding war? With 24 goals and six assists in 38 games this season, most of those goals came at the start of the season. He has just two goals in the last 11, with one assist, and a dip in form since the turn of the year has some wondering if he would be ‘Premier League ready’.

Arsenal would be wise to proceed with caution. If this is indeed a case of agents pushing for a big payday, they need to ensure that Gimenez’s on-field performance justifies the hype and any potential transfer fee. He is currently valued at €45m and is under contract until 2027 after signing a new deal last summer.