Manchester United have been stepping up their pursuit of an "outrageous" player ahead of the summer transfer window, but there could be competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Man Utd urged to sign new midfielder by Gary Neville
Gary Neville has been impressed by Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount this season, but the Sky Sports pundit has urged his former club to strengthen in deeper areas during the summer transfer window, saying: "Manchester United didn’t score enough goals last season and that’s an absolute no-no here, you have to score goals, so they’ve corrected that. Bruno Fernandes creating and even Mason Mount I’d throw into that when he’s fit.
"There does look to be good options up top but the centre of midfield is a problem. They’re going to need three or four really good central midfielders. At the moment, they’ve got [Kobbie] Mainoo who you can buy into, but you can’t really look at any of the others and think that’s going to work."
The need to bring in a new central midfielder is exacerbated by Casemiro's impending departure, with the Brazilian maestro eyeing up a move to the MLS upon the expiration of his contract.
Man Utd stepping up pursuit of another experienced midfielder
With Casemiro due to depart, Man United have been making moves for another experienced central midfielder, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states they have stepped up their pursuit of Bayern Munich maestro Leon Goretzka.
Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan are also credited with an interest in the German, alongside Arsenal, who have already made contact, and he is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, INEOS are now attempting to hijack the deal, with Goretzka set to be available on a free transfer in the summer, at which point his contract expires.
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The Bochum-born midfielder has spent the majority of his professional career at the Allianz Arena, and he received extremely high praise from journalist Josh Bunting in June of last year.
With Casemiro moving on, it may be important to bring in a midfielder capable of pitching in defensively, and the Germany international fits the bill in that regard, having averaged 1.3 interceptions per 90 in the Bundesliga this season, which is the second-highest number in the squad.
A well-rounded midfielder, the 31-year-old also poses a threat going forward, picking up 48 goals and 50 assists in 301 appearances for Bayern, and he has featured eight times for the German side in the Champions League this season.
Goretzka, who pockets £217k-a-week at Bayern, could be the ideal signing for Man United, who will be lacking experience in midfield following Casemiro's departure.
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Does anyone come close to Bruno Fernandes right now?