Signing a midfielder is high on Manchester United’s wishlist and none have been linked to the club as frequently as Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
The 25-year-old has four years remaining on his contract in Spain and is reportedly reluctant to leave the club, with United’s lack of Champions League football being another hurdle they need to clear if they are to convince him.
Earlier on Wednesday, there were, however, positive reports on United’s pursuit of the Dutchman. According to journalist and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs are now in ‘direct talks’ over a deal.
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Now, it seems like there could be another twist to the tale as Arsenal, who missed out on Champions League football on the final day of the season, could have entered the race to sign De Jong.
That’s according to The Mirror, via SPORT, who add that United will now face competition to sign the Netherlands international, who recently made his intention of staying at Barcelona very clear.
That could be out of his control, however, with Barcelona’s economic issues controlling their moves in the transfer market. The Catalan club are rumoured to be pursuing a move for FC Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, a deal that would most likely see them need to offload one of their stars.
