Exclusive: Middlesbrough set to sign Max Arfsten as he jets in to complete move
Middlesbrough are in advanced talks to sign Columbus Crew left-back Max Arfsten, sources have told Football Insider.
The Championship side are closing in on a deal for the 25-year-old, who is understood to be travelling to England on Wednesday to finalise the move.
Boro have identified Arfsten as a clear target to improve their squad, and are now on the verge of getting their deal to sign him over the line.
The defender has already earned 21 caps for the USA at senior level, and came off the bench in the closing minutes of their last 16 defeat to Belgium at the World Cup.
Aftsten also made an electric start to the 2026 MLS campaign, with four goals and four assists to his name from just 15 games before the league broke for the World Cup.
The Columbus Crew star is an attacking left-wing back by trade, but has also been used in a left-wing role so far this season.
Middlesbrough aiming to repeat MLS trick
Middlesbrough have had success when it comes to exploring the American market in recent years, with Aidan Morris proof of the success of their scouting.
The 24-year-old was also signed from Columbus Crew, and has gone on to become a key figure for Boro in the centre of midfield.
Morris made 43 appearances across the league and play-off campaigns last term, and has proven to be one of the first names on the teamsheet for Kim Hellberg.
The Teesiders are now looking to repeat that trick with a move for Arfsten, in the hope that they can unearth another gem from across the Atlantic.
The defender has been a key figure for Columbus for several years now, and looks set to get the chance to test himself in the English pyramid.
Middlesbrough are expected to push for promotion once again next term, meaning the door to the Premier League could open for Arfsten within the next 12 months.
Middlesbrough beaten to signing by promotion rival
Football Insider revealed at the end of June that Middlesbrough were working on a deal to sign Lewis Dobbin from Aston Villa.
Hellberg and Co. have been keen admirers of the 23-year-old for some time, and watched him notch 10 goals and eight assists in a loan spell at Preston in 2025-26.
However, Boro now look set to miss out on their target, as Dobbin is on the verge of moving to Southampton in a £9million deal.
The Saints are likely to be one of Middlesbrough's main promotion rivals in 2026-27, and are now about to strengthen their attacking hand.