Arsenal and Tottenham Battle for Shakhtar Midfielder Douglas Costa

Arsenal and arch rivals Tottenham are set to go head-to-head to land Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Douglas Costa.

According to the Daily Mail, the Shakhtar midfielder could be available as a loan signing as he refuses to return to Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

The Gunners and Spurs are still on the market looking to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season and will welcome the addition of the talented player, who will come with extensive Champions League experience.

Costa and his fellow teammates have refused to return to the club amid the conflict, and the player posted a comment saying they have not returned due to the fear of putting their lives at risk.

"All run a deadly risk if we are in the region," Costa said, as quoted in the Daily Mail.

However, he has denied that he is looking for a transfer, and professed his love for the club and the city, but wants to be allowed to train away from Ukraine as they are afraid to return.

"I like the club, the people, the city, but I'm afraid. We want to stay at the club, but we must have risk-free working conditions," the Brazilian added.

Meanwhile, the club owner Rinat Akhmetov has quashed all speculation regarding the transfer of their top stars.

"There won't be a clearance sale," Akhmetov said.

However, he has warned the players that they will suffer consequences if they fail to return to the club.

"They are all under current contracts and in case they refuse to come back they will suffer from the penalties stipulated by their deals," the Shakhtar owner added.

Tottenham, who are yet to make a signing in the transfer window, will be keen to get one over their north London rivals.