The Hard Tackle takes a look at the latest transfer news surrounding Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United.
More than a month into the new season, the Premier League is shaping up nicely as clubs have already started to integrate new players into the team, especially after a chaotic summer transfer market.
But after a window that saw a host of talented players newly arrive in the Premier League, it appears a number of existing stars could be on their way out of England come the January transfer window. Arsenal are among the clubs who are expecting a mass overhaul as they look to offload unwanted players who they were unable to sell last month.
Manchester United, on the other hand, might be involved in the market as well after failing to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer. The calls for a new number six has only intensified since, especially after defeats to West Ham and Young Boys in the cup competitions.
Here at The Hard Tackle, we will delve into the latest transfer happenings surrounding these Premier League bigwigs.
Juventus considering a January move for Alexandre Lacazette
Our transfer roundup starts with Arsenal, who are apparently on the verge of losing Alexandre Lacazette. The forward has his contract expiring at the end of the season with no intent of a renewal. However, a recent report from Calciomercato suggests that Juventus are in the market for the Frenchman, in the upcoming January transfer window as they look to sign him for a cut-price.
It is apparent that Lacazette has no future at the club. The former Lyon striker is yet to start in a single league game in the new season so far, falling behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order. He is being courted by West Ham recently, with the Hammers open to signing a new forward.
Arsenal, on their part, will be hoping to offload Lacazette in January. It would provide them with a slight financial boost that could be useful in funding move for new targets Noa Lang, who is reportedly being targeted over a January move, though there could be stiff competition from Leeds United.
Real Betis interested in Pablo Mari
Alexandre Lacazette isn’t the only player facing an uncertain future at Emirates. According to Fichajes, Arsenal could face a battle to keep hold of Pablo Mari in the January transfer window, with Real Betis identifying him as a potential target. The Spaniard is joined by Luiz Felipe and Oscar Mingueza in the three-man defensive shortlist for ex-Man City coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Real Betis did business with Arsenal in the summer, snapping up Hector Bellerin on deadline day, in a season-long loan deal. Mari could be the next as the club deals with a frustrating start to the campaign, with premier centre-backs Victor Ruiz and Marc Bartra struggling with injuries.
Mari fits the bill perfectly and may prefer a return to his homeland, having previously played for Girona and Deportivo La Coruna. It is evident that the 28-year-old is slightly losing his place in Arteta’s first-team plans, especially after the summer arrival of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Mari’s departure may open up the door for Arsenal to explore move for more established individuals. They have been linked with a move for Jules Kounde, who was earlier tipped to join Chelsea.
Manchester United no longer prioritising Declan Rice move
Moving on from Arsenal, a recent report from ESPN suggests that Manchester United are ready to move on from Declan Rice and are exploring alternate options. The club is not very keen on matching West Ham’s hefty demands for the midfielder and are even unsure whether the player will drastically improve the current United midfield.
As such, the Man United scouts have been instructed to find alternatives. It is almost needless to suggest Kalvin Phillips as the prime option, but his close associations with arch-rivals Leeds United, coupled with interest from other clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal could complicate matters.
The Red Devils have no shortage of other options, though. They are already among the clubs vying for the services of Youri Tielemans, who has considerable Premier League experience under his belt. Manchester United’s interest in Jude Bellingham is also well-documented, although the Borussia Dortmund whizkid is not expected to leave Germany anytime soon.
Boca Juniors still hoping to sign Edinson Cavani
Our last news of the day covers Edinson Cavani. A report from Tribal Football has published quotes of Jorge Bermudez, a member of the Boca Juniors club council, in his interview with TyC Sports, suggesting that the Argentine giants are hoping to secure the services of the Manchester United forward in the future.
“There is the Bombonera, people come and Boca is waiting for him. Hopefully one day Boca can have that taste.”, Bermudez told TyC Sport, hinting at a potential attempt to sign Cavani, whose current contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season.
The Uruguayan international’s deal was set to expire this summer, but he signed a contract extension for another year. However, Cavani is yet to feature significantly this season as the Red Devils ended up signing Cristiano Ronaldo, while he himself has struggled with fitness problems. With his deal running out next year, it remains to be seen if he ends up signing for the Argentine giants.