Manchester United have reportedly emerged as the likely destination for Villarreal’s star performer Arnaut Danjuma ahead of the summer.
According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester United could leapfrog other suitors in the race to sign Arnaut Danjuma next summer. The 25-year-old Villarreal attacker has emerged as a sought-after figure, especially among the English clubs, after a brilliant start to life in Spain. In addition to Manchester United, the Dutch international has been courted by Liverpool and Tottenham.
Liverpool were primed to sign Danjuma in the January transfer window. However, the move did not materialise as Villarreal were intent on keeping hold of their star player, having only signed him last summer. The Reds ended up settling for FC Porto starlet Luis Diaz, who joined the club in a €45 million deal.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are the other club keeping an eye on the former Bournemouth speedster. But their interest is not concrete, and it is apparent that Fabio Paratici favours Serie A players and possibly a new centre-forward, with Victor Osimhen of Napoli firmly in his sights.
It has made Manchester United the front-runners in the race to sign Danjuma, who has enjoyed unprecedented success since joining Villarreal last summer. In just 21 competitive matches, the 25-year-old attacker has netted 12 goals while bagging three assists. His five goal involvements in the Champions League were pivotal in helping Villarreal qualify for the knockout rounds.
Danjuma’s performances at the highest level of football have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United prepared to make him one of their major signings in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils, after all, are bracing themselves for a summer of change in the attacking unit. Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are facing uncertain futures at the club, with Lingard already attracting a major transfer battle between the likes of West Ham United, Newcastle United and Tottenham.
In addition, it appears Mason Greenwood might not play for the club again, further accentuating the need for reinforcements in the attacking unit. And in Danjuma, Manchester United could find themselves an ideal option given his current form at Villarreal, coupled with his experience in English football. Prior to his move to Spain, the Dutchman had featured in 52 matches for Bournemouth, scoring 17 goals.
However, Danjuma is set to cost a fortune given the fact that Villarreal themselves had to pay around €23.5 million to secure his services last summer. Hence, the 25-year-old’s move to Old Trafford could hinge on whether Manchester United offload their unwanted stars in the summer, with players such as Martial, Mata, Lingard and Donny van de Beek primed to leave the club.
