Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a £48 million move for a former Chelsea forward.
Manchester United’s impressive form under Michael Carrick has given them a Champions League spot with just 13 games left to play this season.
While United were able to buy Matheus Cunha, Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško without European football in the summer, having Champions League football would allow United to bring in higher-quality players for the new head coach.
United were close to securing a deal for AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window, but the winger chose to sign for Manchester City instead. This leaves a left-winger-shaped hole in United’s squad, with Cunha and Patrick Dorgu filling in so far.
Some transfer plans have been confirmed with interest in a Real Madrid star, but the priority positions should be a defensive midfielder and a left-winger, with United now linked with a former Chelsea wide player.
United eye Pulisic
Christian Pulisic struggled in the Premier League, but has improved much since his move to Italy.
The former Chelsea winger has racked up 43 goals for AC Milan, including 10 this season in just 20 appearances. However, the Italian giants appear ready to move him on.
Calciomercato have reported that Pulisic could be free to leave AC Milan for £48 million in the summer, with Arsenal, Spurs and United all monitoring the situation.
AC Milan don’t want to lose the American, but they understand that if he has a good World Cup, it may be best to cash in on the 27-year-old.
United will be at the top of the list for a left-sided player, with Bryan Mbeumo forced into that role against Spurs, despite his clear preference for the right flank.
United must prioritise midfield
Casemiro has confirmed he will be leaving United at the end of the season, upon the expiry of his contract, leaving United without their defensive midfielder. Manuel Ugarte, his backup, could also leave the club after two poor years at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo has impressed in recent weeks, but he needs freedom to push into the attacking third, and he won’t get that if he has to play as the defensive midfielder.
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Unless United are willing to trust a younger defensive midfielder, like Tyler Fletcher or Sékou Koné, Jason Wilcox must bring in two new engine room players for the position next to Mainoo. If United qualify for Europe, a backup for Mainoo may be needed, too.
While it’s unnatural for them, Cunha, Dorgu and Mason Mount can play off the left wing, so defensive midfield must be the priority position.
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