Manchester United have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United have expressed interest in Barcelona defenders Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo as they look to bolster their central defence come summer.
The report adds that with Araujo currently considered not-for-sale at Barcelona, Manchester United “could turn their attention” to former Chelsea star Christensen if they cannot land the Uruguayan defensive stalwart’s signature.
Barcelona in deep financial trouble; summer fire-sale incoming
Barcelona are in the grip of a financial crisis. Indeed, they have been dealing with FFP issues for a while, which has left them with little money to spend this season. They have utilised the loan market for the likes of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, and got Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu through the door on free transfers. Any more incomings in the summer window might have to be preceded by a raft of exits.
Per Marca, Barca need approximately £85 million to meet their financial obligations before the closure of the summer market. If that does not happen, there will be very little wiggle room on the wage bill. As such, sacrifices are going to have to be made from within the squad, and Manchester United could benefit from Barcelona’s fire sale.
Manchester United plotting Andreas Christensen summer move
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Araujo recently as they look to strengthen the centre-back positions. However, as alluded to above, the defender is “untouchable,” along with a number of other players.
However, the Red Devils have also had an eye on Christensen of late and could make a concrete move in the summer, knowing they cannot get Araujo. It was recently stated they were “very interested” in taking him to Old Trafford in January for a cut-price fee. However, no concrete moves were made due to the fear of potentially breaching FFP regulations.
The Dane has had a fantastic start to life at Barcelona, and since his arrival on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2022, he has played 59 times for the Blaugrana so far, winning the La Liga title in his first season with them.
However, Christensen’s time in Catalonia could be up after less than two full campaigns. The 27-year-old’s previous Premier League experience at Chelsea makes him a top-class addition for the Red Devils, who may face stiff competition from Newcastle United for his services in the summer.
