Arsenal & Man United rekindle old rivalry as transfer rumours intensify
Manchester United fans were out through a kaleidoscope of shifting emotions during a rollercoaster 2023/24 season, culminating in a triumphant FA Cup victory.
The Red Devils endured their worst-ever Premier League finish, but their FA Cup win offered a much-needed reprieve, especially after beating arch-nemesis and defending champions Manchester City in the final at Wembley Stadium.
United’s focus now shifts to overhauling the squad. With Erik ten Hag retaining his job, the Red Devils aim to learn from last season’s mistakes and strive for a more successful campaign next term.
United cannot do worse than an eight-place finish, and fans expecting a much better campaign from Ten Hag’s troops can purchase Manchester United tickets at unbeatable prices from seatsnet.com.
Despite the massively underwhelming campaign at Old Trafford, some would argue that United still had a better season than their Premier League rivals, Arsenal, who ended the season without bagging a major trophy.
For the second consecutive year, the North Londoners were firmly in the race for the Premier League title. While they battled with the defending champions until the last day, they eventually fell short by two points.
United and Arsenal are looking to bolster their teams this summer and compete for every piece of silverware available.
They could rekindle the rivalry of the late 1990s and early 2000s as they go toe-to-toe for several transfer targets.
Arsenal keen on United target Jean-Clair Todibo
Mikel Arteta improved his team last summer and closed the gap to City in the process.
Despite failing to dethrone his mentor again, the Spaniard is keen to bolster his squad ahead of another title challenge, and defence is one area in which he’d like to add more reinforcements.
The Gunners had the best defensive record in the Premier League last season, but they are still considering any improvement that can nudge them towards the title next term.
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gasper is considering OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo as a potential signing.
The 24-year-old impressed for the Ligue 1 outfit last season, making 33 appearances across all competitions.
United are long-term admirers of Todibo and had earmarked him as a long-term replacement for Raphael Varane.
However, the 24-year-old now appears highly unlikely to move to Old Trafford, with UEFA’s strict multi-club rule preventing United from signing the player from their sister club.
United and Nice, the Ligue 1 club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS, have qualified for the Europa League and are waiting to learn whether they will both be allowed to play in the competition next season.
United’s inability to sign Todibo paves the way for Arsenal to swoop in, and the Gunners are now considering a move for the Frenchman, who is reportedly valued at £40 million.
United looking to take advantage of Arsenal’s delay in signing Joshua Zirkzee
United are exploring a deal for 23-year-old Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who is valued at €50m on Transfermarkt.
The Dutchman notched 12 goals and seven assists in 37 games for Bologna last season as they finished fifth in Serie A, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in the process.
Arsenal, who are looking to bolster their attacking ranks this summer, have also been heavily linked with a move for Zirkzee, but it appears United are now the front-runners.
Ivan Toney
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has also been linked with United and Arsenal this summer, with reports claiming the Red Devils have already tabled an offer for the England international.
Toney was impressive last season as he scored 20 goals in his 33 Premier League appearances for Brentford.
His career was put on hold at the end of the 2022/23 campaign as he was handed a nine-month ban for breaching betting rules.
The 28-year-old struggled since returning at the start of this year, netting only four goals in 17 Premier League appearances for Thomas Frank’s side.
Despite his paltry numbers, Toney was included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the 2024 European Championship, and his future could be resolved after the tournament.
Toney has fuelled exit speculation while on international duty, insisting he’s “ready” to secure a big move away from the Gtech Community Stadium.
“I’m a Brentford player,” Toney said. “I have a year left. Going into a major tournament, that is my main focus now. But after this, I’ll be going back to Brentford and I will be a Brentford player still.
“It’s nice to be linked with other clubs. But I’ve had this in the past.
“Nothing is done until it’s done. Like I said, I’m a Brentford player, and I’m focused on doing well for Brentford for the upcoming season. That’s the main thing.”
When asked about a big move, Toney continued: “Obviously, if it was to come, I would be ready.
“But I’ve got to remain focused and not let other things and other noise get the best of me, and just focus on what I need to do for my club.”
Arsenal join Man Utd in race for Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher
Arsenal and United are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The 24-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge as he enters the final year of his current contract, and initial reports suggest he could be sold for around £50m.
The Chelsea academy product enjoyed a decent 2023/24 campaign, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists in 50 games and is currently with the England squad at Euro 2024.
However, Chelsea are willing to listen to bids from potential suitors. The Blues view Gallagher as pure profit, and cashing in on him would greatly improve their financial standing.
Several clubs are already lining up to sign him. Atletico Madrid have seen a bid rejected, while Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked.
United and Arsenal have now joined the race as well and are keeping a close eye on Gallagher’s situation at the Bridge.
At just 24, Gallagher’s peak years are still ahead of him, but he has already established himself as a proven Premier League player from his time at Stamford Bridge and a loan spell at Crystal Palace.
There have also been reports claiming Chelsea haven’t entirely shut the door on a potential new contract for Gallagher.
With Ian Maatsen close to joining Villa and Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah poised to leave the club this summer, Chelsea could shift their stance on Gallagher’s future and re-open contract talks.
Arsenal could use someone with Gallagher’s energy level to partner Declan Rice at the base of their midfield, while a move to Old Trafford will reunite the Blues skipper with fellow Cobham graduate Mason Mount.
