Keown labels Arsenal target Djed Spence a ‘Rolls-Royce’ after FA Cup tie

Arsenal may have received further encouragement in their reported pursuit of Djed Spence, with Martin Keown telling BBC Sport (6/2; 17:40) that the right-back is like a Rolls-Royce after his FA Cup display on Sunday.

Nottingham Forest have knocked another Premier League side out of the FA Cup. This time, it was Leicester City who were soundly beaten at the City Ground. And it was Spence who scored the final goal of the win.

Of course, Forest went into the tie off the back of a victory over Arsenal in the previous round. Spence’s performance in that particular game was labelled ‘unbelievable‘ by Ian Wright.

And he once again looked a class apart against top-flight opposition. That performance however, may not have come as a major surprise to a number of Premier League sides.

It was reported ahead of deadline day that Arsenal were planning to make a bid for Spence. And it has been suggested since that the Gunners remain interested in the 21-year-old.

Wright has already made his feelings on Spence clear. And he is not the only Arsenal legend who would seemingly approve of Mikel Arteta’s men making a move for the youngster.

Keown suggested that Spence was the standout for Forest in another famous FA Cup win for Steve Cooper’s side.

“Djed Spence has really impressed me,” he told BBC Sport. “He’s on his loan from Middlesbrough. He’s been sent away to clear his head. And he’s clearly doing that. He’s like a Rolls-Royce.”

Spence is definitely one to watch in the remaining months of the season. He is in an intriguing position given that Middlesbrough loaned him out in the summer.

Should Forest go up, they will surely attempt to sign him permanently. Boro meanwhile, would be mad not to try and find a role for him next season.

But there is surely going to be a lengthy queue of admirers. And with that, Arsenal may have to act quickly if they want him this summer.

It is certainly now a case of when, rather than if, when it comes to Spence playing in the Premier League.