Man Utd receive HUGE boost in Amrabat pursuit

Cameron Smith

20 Aug 2023 14:20 BST
4 min read

Sofyan Amrabat, Fiorentina, Man Utd — © ProShots

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has received a huge boost following news the Serie A side have identified Brighton & Hove Albion’s Steven Alzate as a possible transfer target.

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Man Utd have been chasing Amrabat all summer as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield, but the Red Devils have not yet submitted an official bid for the Moroccan, according to Fiorentina director Daniele Prade.

Prade told the Italian club’s YouTube channel (via The Mirror): “The situation is clear. He wants to join a top club and we want to satisfy him, but if we receive no offers, he will stay with us. We don't have a player like him in the team.”

His comments hint that Man Utd have not yet lodged a bid for Amrabat, despite their summer-long pursuit of the midfielder.

Despite those comments, Fiorentina have sounded out Colombian star Alazate as one of their transfer targets - likely as a replacement for Amrabat.

That is according to the Telegraph, who have reported that Alzate is being chased by Sevilla and Fiorentina as they both look to secure an €8 million deal for the Brighton midfielder.

Alazate to Fiorentina?

Alzate spent last season on loan at Belgian club Standard Liege and made 29 appearances for the side, more than he has ever made in a single campaign at the AMEX Stadium.

© ProShots - Fiorentina have signed Arthur Melo on loan

The 24-year-old has seven caps for Colombia, but hasn’t played for his nation since September 2022.

Alzate was an unused substitute for Brighton’s 4-1 opening day win against Luton Town, but was omitted from their matchday squad for their second Premier League game of the 2023-24 season - another 4-1 win, this time against Wolves.

Fiorentina have signed seven new players so far this summer, including the loan addition of Arthur Melo from Juventus and the free transfer acquisition of former Everton man Yerry Mina.

On the other hand, 10 players have left Florence this window, most notably Arthur Cabral (Benfica) and Igor (Brighton).