"?Tottenham have made a last-ditch effort to sign Bolton Wanderers centre-back Rob Holding, only to be told that he wants to sign for Arsenal.
Spurs are keen to bolster their squad ahead of a renewed assault on the Premier League title next season and, with Federico Fazio set to be shown the exit door, they are in the market for a new defender.
Mauricio Pochettino has been keeping close tabs on Holding, who has been a revelation in the Championship this year.
The promising centre-back will be searching for a new club after Bolton were relegated to League One and it is hoped he could replicate the success of Dele Alli and Eric Dier at White Hart Lane.
However, "?the Sun are reporting that the 20-year-old prefers a move to the red-half of North London.
Arsene Wenger has been hugely impressed by the England Under-21 international's performances and he is set to test the Trotters' resolve with a £1.2m bid.
If Holding moves to the Emirates Stadium he will be shunted out on loan to gain experience as he is being tipped for a bright future.
Despite making a desperate attempt to hijack the Gunners' move, Tottenham have been told the versatile defender is not interested in joining their ranks.