North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle it out for the signature of Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins, when the transfer window opens in January, according to The People.

The British tabloid claims that Nigerian International Martins is ready to leave St James’ Park due to the uncertainty surrounding the North East club, which owner Mike Ashley is currently trying to sell.

News of Martins being unsettled at the Magpies has alerted both Gunners boss Arsene Wenger along with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who are both understood to be willing to pay the £13million buy-out clause to sign the striker and are both keen to add a striker to their squads in January.

24-year-old Martins joined Newcastle in 2006 from Serie A giants Inter Milan and has scored 32 goals in 90 appearances for United in all competitions since his arrival from the San Siro.

However, Magpies chief Joe Kinnear will be desperate to hold on to Martins, with the distinct possibility that he could lose England International Michael Owen in January due to the former Liverpool strikers deal at St James’ Park ending at the end of the season.