Man Utd rival Arsenal for dream midfield target

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Jul 2024 10:50 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are interested in Martin Zubimendi, according to a report.

The Red Devils are in the market for a defensive midfielder. After deciding against making Sofyan Amrabat's loan from Fiorentina permanent and with Casemiro still potentially on the way out, Man Utd new reinforcements in the middle of the park.

Their top target for the position is Manuel Ugarte of PSG. However, the French giants are keen to make a profit on the 23-year-old, having only signed him from Sporting CP for €60 million last summer.

The Ligue 1 champions have slapped a €70m price tag on the Uruguay international and this is a fee that Man Utd are not prepared to pay. It remains to be seen whether PSG will soften their stance if they manage to snap up Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves.

However, this impasse of sorts has led to Man Utd considering other options. French media has claimed that they could try to hijack AC Milan's move for Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.

Man Utd want Zubimendi

Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that the Red Devils are now looking at Martin Zubimendi as a potential option for the defensive midfield role.

The Real Sociedad star has become one of Europe's most in-demand players in that position and he is available for €60m due to a release clause in his contract.

Zubimendi is considered Mikel Arteta's dream target at Arsenal, with the fellow Basque said to be infatuated with the Erreala star. This has led to the 25-year-old being considered the Gunners' top midfield target.

However, the problem Arsenal have faced and which Man Utd will likely face too is that the Spain international has thus far shown absolutely no inclination or willingness to leave his boyhood, hometown club Real Sociedad.