Manchester United defender Leny Yoro may have just made a huge decision that could greatly impact Arsenal. The 19-year-old made the switch from Lille to Old Trafford this past summer in a £52million deal, turning down a potential transfer to Real Madrid in the process.
Injury derailed his first few months at United but since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, he has featured on a regular basis with 30 appearances to his name this season.
Despite only just joining United last summer, reports in Spain suggest he is already looking for an exit with Defensa Centra claiming the teenager has asked super agent Jorge Mendes to attempt to construct a move to Madrid in the summer.
Los Blancos were very much interested in signing Yoro 12 months ago but it remains to be seen if that is still the case. It is clear defensive additions are needed at Madrid but their current focus may instead be on Trent Alexander-Arnold and choosing a Carlo Ancelotti successor ahead of his expected departure.
However, Madrid going back in for Yoro could be perfect for Arsenal as it is then less likely a move for William Saliba is made. The Frenchman has been strongly linked to the Spanish giants in recent trading periods with their plan on how to sign him becoming very clear.
According to Marca, Madrid are waiting for his contract to expire in the summer of 2027 so they can sign him for free. Their report has also claimed that similar is being done for Ibrahima Konate with his current Liverpool deal ending next summer.
Having seen how contract issues can plague an entire campaign, with Alexander-Arnold announcing his decision to leave recently, Liverpool will desperately want to avoid a repeat of that. If the 25-year-old does pen fresh terms before this time next year, focus will undoubtedly turn to Saliba.
Arsenal want to keep the centre-back and are therefore set to step up talks in the hopes of not losing him on a free transfer or at a low price, as per L'Equipe. There are plenty of mitigating factors at play but if Yoro does end up at the Bernabeu, it could be to Arsenal's benefit.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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