Arsenal snap up released Tottenham youngster Jonathan Dinzeyi and Huddersfield reject Tim Akinola

Former Tottenham youngster Jonathan Dinzeyi is reportedly set to join the club's bitter rivals Arsenal after being released last month.

The 20-year-old, who plays as a centre-back, featured only once for the first team in a friendly against Girona in 2018 - failing to make a competitive appearance.

Arsenal are seeking to bolster their youth set-up with former defender Per Mertesacker in charge of youth development, and according to the Athletic, the club have secured both Dinzeyi and former Huddersfield midfielder Tim Akinola.

The Gunners are planning to send a number of youngsters out on loan for the 2020-21, meaning they will need reinforcements to develop at the club in the Under-23 team before challenging Mikel Arteta's side.

Akinola, 19, was also released from his contract at Huddersfield after struggling to break through to the Terrier's first team.

Dinzeyi will be eager to prove his old side wrong after he also failed to emerge as one of the next big prospects at Spurs, as he was forced to watch fellow academy star Japhet Tanganga move up and be given opportunities under Jose Mourinho.

Instead he spent time on trial at QPR last season before returning to the club for the remainder of his deal.

While Dinzeyi hasn't quite made the same impression at the club, it will evoke memories for Tottenham fans of former centre-back and captain Sol Campbell's departure to Arsenal - also on a free transfer - in 2001.

Arsenal are keeping tabs on a number of potential new additions for their youth squads, the Athletic adds, as part of a recruitment overhaul at the Emirates.

A number of scouts have left the club, including Francis Cagigao, Brian McDermott and Brian Clark, with the north Londoners being forced to let 55 members of staff go amid financial difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result, Mertesacker and technical director Edu have begun searching for new players with potential - starting with talent available on a free transfer as the club continues to keep costs down.