Louis Page Transfer Update: Manchester United have taken the lead in the race for Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, according to BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel. The Louis Page Transfer Update puts United ahead of Arsenal and Aston Villa after the club stepped up their work on a deal for the 18-year-old.
Page has already made 21 senior appearances for Leicester, including 18 Championship outings during the 2025/26 campaign. Despite Leicester’s relegation, his performances earned him the EFL Championship Apprentice of the Season award. He remains contracted until 2029.
Pete O’Rourke reported that both United and Arsenal submitted bids for Page. Stretford Paddock later reported that Arsenal’s offer had been rejected, while United continued discussions. Page’s boyhood support for United gives Michael Carrick’s side another significant advantage.
Arsenal will be disappointed, but this hardly threatens Mikel Arteta’s plans. The Gunners have just won the Premier League title and strengthened their midfield with the £75 million arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.
That gives Arteta room to absorb a missed target. Page would have been an exciting addition, though, particularly due to his age and technical profile. The left-footed midfielder played regular senior football for a struggling Leicester team, which says plenty about the trust placed in him. Arsenal’s recruitment operation has built a strong record of backing young talent. Missing Page therefore feels frustrating rather than damaging.
Louis Page Transfer Update: Why United want him
United’s interest makes more sense when viewed as a long-term move. Carrick already has Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans available in midfield, so Page doesn’t need to carry the side this season. Instead, United can give him time.
That could prove crucial. Page has senior experience, yet he remains only 18 and still needs space to develop physically, tactically and mentally. A gradual introduction at Old Trafford could protect that progress, while Carrick can decide when he is ready for bigger responsibilities.
United have already completed six major signings this summer, so this move would underline their appetite for building beyond the immediate campaign. Page’s preference for Old Trafford makes the deal even more intriguing.
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For Arsenal, the concern is losing another promising player to a direct domestic rival. For United, this represents a chance to secure an England youth international before his reputation grows further. The Louis Page Transfer Update now leaves United firmly in front, with Arsenal facing the prospect of watching his development from elsewhere.