Manchester City will reportedly compete with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United for 22-year-old Everton defensive whizkid Jarrad Branthwaite.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Jarrad Branthwaite is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions are keen on signing a centre-back next year and have set their sights on the Everton whizkid. Meanwhile, the English international is also a target for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, with the Toffees valuing him at around £80 million.
The rise and rise of Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has made considerable progress since joining Everton from Carlisle United nearly half a decade ago. While the Englishman had to bide his time before becoming a regular for the Merseyside outfit, he has not looked back in the last 12 months.
The 22-year-old has turned out over 50 times thus far for Everton while chipping in with four goals and one assist. Meanwhile, Branthwaite’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile Premier League clubs. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City are the youngster’s prospective suitors.
A man in demand
The English international is a long-term target for Manchester United, and the Red Devils mulled over signing him in the summer transfer window. Ruben Amorim’s system necessitates the addition of a new centre-back, especially with Victor Lindelof expected to leave Manchester United next year.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite is surprising, considering Mikel Arteta has two of the best defenders in the Premier League in his squad. Nevertheless, he remains a target for Arsenal. As for Chelsea, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi face an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, so pursuing Branthwaite might be sensible.
The report has pointed to Manchester City joining the race to secure Branthwaite’s services. Recent reports have suggested that Ruben Dias might not be at the Etihad beyond the 2024/25 season. So, Branthwaite is a viable candidate to replace the Portuguese international. However, the Englishman will not come cheap, with Everton valuing him at around £80 million.
While the 22-year-old English international is an expensive target for Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City, he has the right age profile and potential to justify an investment of around £80 million.
