Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Transfers, Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Erik Ten Hag, Mikel Arteta
Ryan Smart
Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Transfers, Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Erik Ten Hag, Mikel Arteta
Manchester United are reportedly targeting the signing of a Euro 2024 winner as manager Erik ten Hag continues to add to his squad.
United have already completed the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro for a combined initial fee of over £85 million.
The club fended off competition from the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Liverpool to sign Yoro, 18, with the other interested clubs not willing to match their offer.
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New minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe now appears to be pressing on at pace with improving United's first team squad, with personal terms having reportedly been agreed with PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Now, according to The Telegraph, they have their eyes on a Euro 2024 winner.
The player in question is Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who was a bit-part player throughout the tournament but replaced Rodri at half-time during the 2-1 final victory over England.
He was impressive throughout the second half, dictating play and showing the composure in midfield that England arguably lacked in Berlin.
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It is claimed that United have interest in the 24-year-old, who is a long-term target for Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta.
Arteta, who spent his formative years at Sociedad, was reportedly keen to bring Zubimendi to north London in January last year, but the Spaniard was not keen to leave his current club.
Like every player in the Spanish top flight, Zubimendi's contract does contain a release clause, which is set at €60 million.
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While that sum is more than affordable for the top clubs, it appears the player's wishes are ultimately what is holding any move back.
Speaking in April, Zubimendi told Spanish media: "They [transfer rumours] are just rumours. I am happy at Real Sociedad, it is like my home.
"I cannot say that I will play my entire career with Real Sociedad, perhaps the club won't want me to continue in the future.
"But I do not concern myself with these rumours."