Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks to sign PSG superstar Thomas Meunier, who is also a summer target for Manchester United.
Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira has claimed that Arsenal have taken a giant leap towards securing Thomas Meunier’s signature in the summer. The Gunners are in advanced talks with PSG to secure a deal for the attack-minded defender, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks.
Schira has added in his tweet that Arsenal have offered a five-year deal to Meunier in an attempt to convince him to choose Emirates as his next destination. The journalist has further stated that an agreement is yet to be reached between PSG and Arsenal as regards the Belgian international’s transfer.
#Arsenal are in advances talks with #PSG for Thomas #Meunier. #Gunners have offered 5-years contract to him. Now two clubs should finalize the deal. #transfers #AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) May 30, 2019
Thomas Meunier has been a regular at Parc des Princes since joining PSG in 2016 from Club Brugge. Despite having to constantly share game time, the Belgian international has impressed whenever given a chance and has managed to be a relatively regular face in the side. The 2018-19 campaign saw him notch up 31 appearances in total, with 5 goals and 7 assists to show for his efforts.
The statistics are not a big surprise, with Meunier always billed as an asset going forward, at club level and for Belgium. But, with only a year left on his PSG deal and the club set for another overhaul in an attempt to improve their chances in the Champions League, Meunier is looking for a new challenge and is being tailed by Manchester United and Arsenal.
That Meunier is a Manchester United fan is something the Belgian international has not hidden in any manner. The Red Devils are looking to reinforce the right-back area, with Antonio Valencia leaving the club in the summer and Ashley Young, who was the regular for United at the said position for the 2018-19 season, just not good enough to be a regular face in the starting eleven of a club chasing for the top four, let alone the Premier League title.
Arsenal have Hector Bellerin as the only natural option on the right side. And with Unai Emery opting for wing-backs, Thomas Meunier could be a better prospect on the right side compared to the Spaniard, mainly due to the PSG superstar’s statistically proven attacking nous.
The Gunners though, seem to have taken a decisive lead, if Nicolo Schira is to be believed. With only a fee left to be agreed between PSG and Arsenal, Manchester United will either have to rush in with their offer or look at other targets.
Given Unai Emery’s previous association with Thomas Meunier back from his days as PSG manager, this rumour could very well be true. Meunier was the preferred option at PSG under the current Arsenal manager and could take up the option of a reunion at Arsenal to be part of the Unai Emery project.
