Manchester United could miss out on signing Christos Tzolis to Arsenal this summer.
The Red Devils have primarily focused on strengthening their midfield in recent weeks.
They have verbal agreements in place for Ederson and Andrey Santos, and the latter is poised to complete his transfer in the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, United have been linked with left wingers too. The Red Devils reportedly made enquiries for Club Brugge star Tzolis earlier in June.
The Greek also acknowledged that he would be tempted to join United, but The Sun now claim that Arsenal are winning the race to recruit him.
The Gunners have identified Tzolis as a replacement for the outgoing Leandro Trossard, and they are ‘close’ to agreeing a £35 million deal for the Greek, who scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists for Brugge last term.
United’s left winger pursuit depends on Rashford’s future
Matheus Cunha was United’s regular choice on the left wing last season after his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club found some success with Patrick Dorgu as a makeshift option.
Still, manager Michael Carrick may want another specialist in the department. He is prepared to welcome Marcus Rashford back after a successful season on loan at Barcelona with 28 goal contributions.
The England international is ‘expected to start‘ next season with the Red Devils, but there are claims that United would prefer to offload him to release his £17.5 million annual salary from their wage bill.
For now, United are unlikely to enter the transfer market for a left winger unless Rashford leaves. Keeping that in mind, we are not surprised that the club have not approached Brugge regarding Tzolis.
Arsenal are already in advanced negotiations with the Belgian champions for the 24-year-old and could give the green light to the transfer once Trossard agrees on personal terms with Besiktas.
Stats from Transfermarkt