Manchester United and Arsenal could reportedly set to battle it out for the signature of Inter Milan’s explosive right wing-back Denzel Dumfries during this summer’s transfer window.
Arsenal and Manchester United are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Inter Milan’s in-demand defender Denzel Dumfries, who could cost them as much as €60 million in the upcoming transfer window. That’s according to Tuttosport, relayed by L’Interista (h/t Sport Witness), who report that the Red Devils are at the front of the queue of clubs interested in the 26-year-old Netherlands international.
The Dutch full-back has gone from strength to strength since arriving at the San Siro from PSV Eindhoven in 2021. He has made regular appearances for Inter Milan this season, registering two goals and three assists in 26 games across competitions.
He was also quite impressive with the Oranje at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, attracting the attention of multiple top clubs around Europe.
Chelsea were said to be admirers of the Dutchman in January, but according to the aforementioned report, the strongest interest from the Premier League is coming from Manchester United and Arsenal.
United manager Erik ten Hag wants to bolster his right-back ranks at Old Trafford in the upcoming window, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka facing an uncertain future at the club, despite his mini resurgence since the World Cup, having found renewed form and confidence amid Diogo Dalot’s injury woes.
Dumfries has been on United’s radar for quite some time now, and he could be an ideal signing with his explosive attacking style. The Dutchman has pace and power in abundance and should have no problem adjusting to the rigours of the Premier League thanks to his tenacity, physicality, rawness, and speed.
While Manchester United are dubbed the favourites in the race, the Gunners are set to give their rivals some stiff competition in acquiring the 26-year-old’s services. Mikel Arteta’s team are currently deploying Ben White as their first-choice right-back, who is keeping Takehiro Tomiyasu out of the side.
However, the 25-year-old Englishman is a natural centre-half and, as such, is not a particularly effective option for Arteta’s side in attack. Like Ten Hag, a more attack-minded and fleet-footed presence seems to be the priority for Arteta as he plots a summer signing. To that end, Dumfries excels on the attacking side of the game and could be a sensational pick.
Dumfries has a contract at San Siro until June 2025. Inter are understood to be in poor financial condition and need around €60 million to balance their books. The Italian giants’ chairman, Steven Zhang, is apparently looking to recoup the whole amount from Dumfries’ sale.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United or Arsenal is prepared to fork out such an exorbitant fee, but the Nerazzurri are open to selling Dumfries and are waiting for the right offer to extract the best amount for their asset.
