Arsenal and Man Utd linked World Cup finalist set for €12m January transfer

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 7 min read

Although the January transfer window might not be regarded as a time to pick up bargain signings, Inter Milan may be about to prove that theory wrong as they lead the chase for a World Cup finalist available for a knockdown fee of just €12 million.

France attacker Marcus Thuram has long been linked with a transfer to one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Even after the start of Qatar 2022, Man Utd were associated with a move for Thuram, while Arsenal have long been associated with a deal for the player.

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Thuram, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of the season and there is little prospect of him signing a new deal.

Borussia Monchengladbach, his current club, are therefore ready to cut their losses on the player and sell him for as little as €12m, according to Sport Bild.

Furthermore, it is stated that Osijek’s Dion Drena Deljo is in line to replace him.

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The race for Thuram, meanwhile, remains one that has not been decisively decided in Inter’s favour.

Fabrizio Romano revealed last month: “There are many clubs approaching his agent.”

Arsenal or Man Utd may yet make a late move

Arsenal and Man Utd, meanwhile, may not have given up the chase. Indeed, both clubs could still use a centre forward, which is the role that Thuram has typically played with Gladbach this season.

Since the reports, the Gunners have seen Gabriel Jesus suffer a knee injury that could see him miss out until March, and Man Utd have not found a solution to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. For the price being discussed, it would not be hard to see either club take a plump on the 25-year-old.

Thuram’s statistics are intriguing. In the Bundesliga this season, he has scored 10 goals and created three more.

As the above interactive graphic from data analytics experts SciSports shows, he has been one of the best performing strikers in the Bundesliga this season along with Christopher Nkunku, who will make a big-money summer move to Chelsea. By comparison, €12m for Thuram is a bargain.

Inter may lead the way, then, but there is a scope for a late upset.