**Manchester United travel to London to face Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.**
The Red Devils cruised to a 2-0 win against rivals City in the Manchester derby in Michael Carrick’s first match in charge, with the Englishman having been appointed caretaker head coach following the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this month.
While United did impress against the Citizens, they will likely face a tougher test at The Emirates against an Arsenal side that have only lost once in the league so far this term.
Now, it is emerging that Man United are hoping to complete a shock deal to sign a Chelsea star for a staggering amount.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United have identified Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer as their top transfer target.
Palmer, 23, joined Chelsea from Manchester City back in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the best players not only in the Premier League, but also in Europe.
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Palmer has been linked with a move to Manchester United (Photo: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy)
The Englishman has scored 48 goals and provided 29 assists in 110 games for the Blues across all competitions, although he has been hampered by injuries so far this term.
Palmer has featured just 13 times so far this term, and sat out of the Blues’ win over Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Despite his importance to Chelsea, the report suggests that Palmer himself is keen to return to Manchester and feels a longing for his hometown.
A deal for Palmer could cost as much as £120 million, the report suggests.
Palmer was also a boyhood Manchester United fan, and it is claimed that the Red Devils are prepared to make an ‘unprecedented financial effort’ to land the England international.
The midfielder is under contract at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2032/33 campaign, but it appears that United could attempt to lure him back to his hometown this summer.