Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans at full-time following the team's defeat and subsequent elimination after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France.Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans at full-time following the team's defeat and subsequent elimination after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans at full-time following the team's defeat and subsequent elimination after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France. | Getty Images
Arsenal have reportedly submitted a contract proposal to one of Manchester United’s summer transfer targets
Manchester United could face a battle from Premier League rivals Arsenal to sign one of their prime attacking targets in the summer transfer window.
Both United and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur sit in the bottom third of the table, domestically, but the pair are currently on course to meet in the Europa League final. They hold leads heading into their respective semi-final second legs and barring a major collapse from either side, it will be an all-English final.
United’s summer transfer plans will be transformed by winning the Europa League. As things stand, the club are not yet willing to plan for next season with the belief they will be in the Champions League. Ruben Amorim currently has a limited budget heading into the 2025/26 season. However, earning a spot in Europe will allow United to chase bigger names and make them a more attractive destination for current targets.
Arsenal ‘submit offer’ to Liam Delap
Manchester World has previously reported that Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is the club’s prime striker target ahead of the summer. The former Manchester City man has a £30m release clause in his contract, which has become active now the Tractor Boys are relegated. He previously had a £40m release clause but his price has now been reduced with Kieran McKenna’s side facing another season in the Championship.
However, Football Transfers has reported that Arsenal have made a contract offer to Delap’s representatives as they also look to bolster their options in the striker position. The Gunners, per the report, have told Delap he will have to fight for his place in North London with Mikel Arteta also keen to add Viktor Gyokeres to his ranks.
Delap is said to be holding out for the end of the season to see how the race for Europe shapes up. There will be six Premier League teams in the Champions League next season if both Spurs and United reach the Europa League final with five spots in the top flight also securing qualification. Arsenal are second in the table and on course to secure a Champions League place while United must win the Europa League or they will have no European football.
Why Liam Delap is a player in demand this summer
The likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have also been linked with Delap ahead of the summer after what has been an impressive season for the striker with Ipswich. Only 11 players have scored more Premier League goals than Delap this season, despite him playing for a side who were relegated with four games remaining.
His impressive goal-scoring return combined with his physicality, age and aggressiveness make him an attractive signing for top clubs. He would also count as a homegrown player and his £30m release clause means the price is already set.
He added: “He’s a proper striker, and I think for us as well he’s an outlet. He’s a big physical boy. He’s not huge but he’s got that raw strength. Even build up, he helps us stick and set, so he’s not just a goal scorer. He’s an all-round striker.”
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