Arsenal are reportedly ready to rival the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid in pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, as per TBR Football.
The Red Devils are expected to enter the market for a new centre-half in the summer after their backline has been plagued by injuries across the term; two injuries to Lisandro Martinez have seen him limited to just seven Premier League starts; initially due to a reoccurrence of his metatarsal fracture and now a knee complaint.
Raphael Varane has missed countless matches since he made the switch to Old Trafford in 2021, and there are questions over whether Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will be staying at the club long-term.
As such, Branthwaite, who has quickly become one of the hottest prospects in Europe, has been shortlisted by United ahead of a potential pursuit at the end of the campaign.
They’ll face stern competition in the battle for his signature though, along with the fact that Everton will be doing their utmost to keep hold of their sought-after star.
Branthwaite lauded by Three Lions legend
Branthwaite, 21, has already been given the co-sign of numerous pundits and former players – more recently England legend Ian Wright.
“I would like to give flowers to Jarrad Branthwaite. I believe now he will be in the next England squad. He has got everything,” he said of the young Toffee.
“You watch how he plays, left-sided as well, he plays out well. Very brave. And then when you listen to his interview he sounds like somebody who is like ‘Yeah, I’m here’. He should be called up. And not only that, he should be played. Let’s have a look at him. I’m telling you we have a monster on our hands at left-sided centre-half. A monster.”
