Arsenal’s £21m move will ‘help’ Manchester United sign EURO 2024 star

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer, which is said to have aided Manchester United’s pursuit of a EURO 2024 star.

Manchester United are looking to bring in a new defensive-minded midfielder this summer after poor performances under Erik ten Hag left the side looking horribly exposed and open in the middle of the park.

Poor performances and injuries from the likes of Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat, and Scott McTominay left the club with much to be desired, and when this was paired with the fitness crisis in defence, the club conceded over 80 goals across the campaign.

Read More: Man United preparing £30m bid for Erik ten Hag’s ‘priority’ target who is ‘keen’ on joining

Therefore, INEOS, who are now in full control of the club’s sporting activities, are targeting midfield signings this summer. Those mentioned above are likely to leave Old Trafford.

One name routinely linked to the club is Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. The 22-year-old is understood to be the club scouts’ preferred option for the coming window. The player has been one of Belgium’s few bright sparks during an underwhelming 2024 European Championships campaign so far from the continental outfit.

However, a stumbling block is the amount of competition that United will face should they press ahead with their clear interest. Onana is attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs and others around Europe.

In a boost, The Express have now reported that one of United’s main rivals for his signature, Arsenal, are starting to take a look elsewhere instead of targeting the Belgian international and have seemingly landed on Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

Should Mikel Arteta’s men sign the 28-year-old Spaniard, United would then be handed much more of a free run at Onana.

Beyond this, less competition for Onana will also mean Everton cannot demand as high an asking price. Some reports have set this transfer fee at a high of £60 million, although it is well known that Everton needs to sell this summer.

A lack of serious suitors could allow United to drive this price down once the 2024 European Championships concludes.

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