Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona are all chasing Monaco defensive midfielder Fabinho, according to the player’s father
According to French TV Show J+1, the Monaco midfielder is being tracked by not only those three clubs but also Manchester City. Fabinho’s father, Joao Roberto Tavares, has confirmed that the defender is considering his options and currently favours a move to Manchester City.
“We have been in talks with Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and approached by Barcelona,” he said, according to J+1. “We like Manchester United & Mourinho’s work, but we have a soft spot for Manchester City.”
Fabinho joined Monaco on loan back in 2013 and spent two consecutive season on loan with the French side before eventually joining them in a permanent deal worth £5.1 million in 2015.
The defender had previously spent a season on loan at Real Madrid playing for their Castilla side and then another season on loan with the senior team, where he made 1 appearance.
This season, he has made 24 appearances for Monaco in Ligue 1 and has picked up 5 goals and 1 assist on the way. He has been a key part of Leonardo Jardim’s side as they look to end PSG’s dominance in the French league.
The 23-year old has been been primarily utilised as a defensive midfielder this season but started off his career as a right-back, the position he has played in during his 4 appearances for the Brazilian national team.
Fabinho has been one of Monaco’s most consistent players this season and has quickly popped up on the radar of several top European clubs as a result of his performances. This season, he is averaging 1.84 interceptions, 1.84 clearances and 2.67 tackles per 90 minutes according to Squawka.
The 23-year old was linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea last summer but nothing materialised and he ended up staying with the French side. However, according to his father, it appears a move is on the cards in the summer as he has already held talks with several top clubs across Europe.
Arsenal already have a wealth of central midfielders but with Santi Cazorla’s constant injury problems and Francis Coquelin’s unconvincing performances as a defensive midfielder this season, it appears they are on the lookout for further reinforcements.
Michael Carrick will likely leave Manchester United at the end of the season and Mourinho will certainly be on the lookout for a defensive midfielder who can fill the void. Fabinho’s father’s claims that they like Mourinho’s work will only help United’s case.
While the player hasn’t held talks with Barcelona, their approach clearly means they are on the lookout for reinforcements in midfield as well. Enrique could use another defensive midfielder in his squad as Sergio Busquets is the only recognised defensive midfielder in their ranks.
However, his father seems to have made it clear that Manchester City are also in the running going by his comments. City could also use some depth in that area as Fernando has been completely unconvincing in that role and furthermore, their ageing squad could use an injection of youth.
Whatever happens, it looks like there is going to be a tug of war over the Brazilian’s services come the summer. Monaco will also be able to demand a significant fee for the highly-rated midfielder given his contract runs until 2021.
