Arsenal are unlikely to prevail in their pursuit of Donny van de Beek following the appointment of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
According to a report from football.london, Arsenal have been dealt with a blow in their pursuit of Donny van de Beek. The Manchester United midfielder was one of the top targets for Mikel Arteta for the end of the season, but it appears the recent appointment of Erik ten Hag could see the player remain at Old Trafford.
Manchester United officiated the arrival of ten Hag earlier this week. The Dutchman is set to replace Ralf Rangnick as the club’s head coach next season and is expected to introduce many changes to the team, which could include the departure of multiple fringe players such as Marcus Rashford, who has been given the green light to leave Old Trafford.
At the same time, there are players who may enjoy more prominence in the first team – none more so than Donny van de Beek. The former Ajax midfielder had joined Manchester United almost two years ago but has perpetually struggled due to a lack of game-time.
Even in the ongoing campaign, the Dutchman had fallen behind Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and even Jesse Lingard in the pecking order fir midfielders at Manchester United. It prompted him to join Everton on loan in January, in search of regular game-time.
After a slow start to his spell at Goodison Park, van de Beek has done well under Frank Lampard, until his progress was halted by a slight thigh problem. He is expected to return to action soon enough, though he will certainly miss the upcoming Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
Ten Hag rates van de Beek highly due to his creative prowess and ability to offer technicality in the final third. The two had worked together at Ajax and could find renewed success at Manchester United next season.
As for Arsenal, they were targeting van de Beek as part of Arteta’s plans to reinforce his options in the middle of the park. But with the Dutchman likely to return to Manchester United, Arsenal may have to set their sights elsewhere.
Also Read: Three Ajax players that Erik ten Hag should sign at Manchester United
Fortunately for the club, they have no shortage of alternatives in the market. Arsenal have already expressed the desire to sign Bayern Munich outcast Marcel Sabitzer in the summer while Youri Tielemans remains an ambitious choice for coach Arteta, as he looks to guide his team into the new era.
