Sporting director confirms Arsenal and Man Utd target Marcus Thuram will move for FREE this summer

Arsenal and Manchester United have received a major boost in the race for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram after it was confirmed he would leave for free.

Arsenal are frontrunners to lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in almost two decades after carving out a six-point lead at the top of the table.

However, injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah has left Mikel Arteta stretched at times, with Gabriel Martinelli filling in as a makeshift number nine.

The Gunners boss is said to be keen to add firepower to his attack in preparation for a busy European schedule next season.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag is in the market for an elite striker this summer, following the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Thuram has emerged as a potential target for both clubs, and it looks as though he will be available for free.

Thuram set to leave for free

Despite efforts to try and keep Thuram at the Bundesliga club, Monchengladbach were unable to convince the France international to stay, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

During his time at Borussia-Park, Thuram, who can play both on the wing and through the middle, registered 44 goals in 133 appearances, adding a further 27 assists.

Sporting director Roland Virkus confirmed on the club's website that the 25-year-old, and teammate Ramy Bensebaini, would be leaving in the summer.

"We were in open communication with both players and knew the current status," Virkus said.

"It's a shame that they won't be extending their expiring contracts, because we've both given a lot in terms of sport over the past four years.

"It's always been part of our path over the past few years to bring in such talented players, to develop them further – and at some point let them go because we can't keep them forever.

"Ideally, we'll get an attractive transfer fee with these transfers. Of course, it's not good that that's not the case now."

However, rather than making a dig at his players, Virkus expressed his gratitude in a classy response.

"Both guys are players who can make the difference. Both have helped us in recent years, and are still doing so well," Virkus added.

"That's why – despite all the justified disappointment – they deserve a stylish farewell."

Topics: Arsenal, Manchester United, Borussia Monchengladbach, Transfers, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno