Arsenal set to secure Manchester United target this summer with talks at “advanced stage,” says Fabrizio Romano

Arsenal are set to secure one of Manchester United’s previous targets this summer as Fabrizio Romano confirms talks are now at an advanced stage.

Rúben Amorim faces a massive squad overhaul at Manchester United if he is to succeed, following years of poor recruitment and excessive spending.

United have come under fire for several questionable transfers in recent seasons, with the acquisitions of Mason Mount for £50 million, Antony for £85 million, and Casemiro for £60 million standing out as particularly baffling to supporters.

Although these signings were made during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, many of the players Amorim has inherited are ill-suited to the 3-4-3 system he intends to implement.

As a result, the club are targeting reinforcements across multiple positions, including striker, midfield, defence, and goalkeeper.

Arsenal to secure United target

However, it’s not just the on-field players who need replacing, but some of those sat at the top of the club.

One man who is yet to be replaced is former sporting director Dan Ashworth, who departed the club 159 days after joining from Newcastle United after general disagreements with the club’s other management staff.

According to reports from Italy back in December, United were eyeing Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta to replace him, but a new report from Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Berta is now set to join Arsenal.

According to the transfer specialist, although a deal is not complete, talks are now at an advanced stage between the Spaniard and London club after departing the La Liga side in January.

Elsewhere, United have been linked with Athletic Bilbao’s sporting director Mikel González as another potential replacement, but reports from Spain suggest that Bilbao are confident González will remain with them.

Who is currently covering for Ashworth?

After Ashworth left United, his role has been mostly covered by technical director Jason Wilcox, who joined Old Trafford from Southampton last season.

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While the former sporting director was the man posing in photos for all of the club’s summer signings, once he departed, it has since been Wilcox who has been pictured with the major incomings such as Patrick Dorgu.

For Academy signings such as Chido Obi and Sekou Kone, this role has generally been taken up by Nick Cox, Director of United’s Academy.

However, multiple reports have stated that United are still looking for a permanent replacement for Ashworth, although the role taken up by the next through the door may be adjusted.

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