Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign teenage defensive sensation Diego Leon, beating off competition from Arsenal.
According to an update by Roberto Rojas, Manchester United are set to beat Arsenal to the signature of Paraguayan defensive sensation Diego Leon. A $6 million deal is mentioned with the 17-year-old’s club, Cerro Porteno, as the Red Devils are set to welcome the left-back next summer.
Diego Leon has been on top Premier League clubs’ radars for some time, as his future with Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno has come under a cloud. The teenager will likely take his chances with a big move abroad and become one of the few Paraguayan stars to step foot in the Premier League.
The teenager has become a key member of Cerro Porteno’s side over the last few months, which has earned him interest from the other side of the world. Arsenal are one of the clubs keen on the left-back, and they have made some progress over the last few months in signing him.
The Gunners have excellent connections in South America through former Sporting Director Edu Gaspar and had viewed a move for Diego Leon to become a part of their future sides. However, they have seen the rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly over the past few months, which will soften the blow of losing the race for the Cerro Porteno teenager.
Manchester United held advanced talks for Leon over the last few days as a deal was inching closer. Now, the Red Devils are set to sign the 17-year-old South American defensive sensation in a $6 million deal, which has seemingly been agreed between the two clubs.
Diego Leon to become the first Paraguayan at Manchester United
Leon will follow in the footsteps of Roque Santa Cruz when coming to Manchester, although he will come to the Red side of this English city. When the 17-year-old does join Manchester United, he will become the first Paraguayan to do so. However, any deal in January will not affect the fact that the teenager can only leave South America once he turns 18.
Diego Leon celebrates his 18th birthday in April 2025, so he will be available to leave Paraguay in the summer. Manchester United will welcome the promising left-back to Old Trafford. He could be close to first-team action, although he could be initially drafted with the Under-21s before making his first-team bow.