Pete O’Rourke column: Arsenal in pole position to sign ‘Turkish Messi’, Man United make Kolo Muani move, Sancho twist, Smith Rowe exit update
Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.
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MAN UNITED
United officials have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a move for striker Randal Kolo Muani.
I’m told he has been on the list at Old Trafford for a while – but won’t be cheap compared to top targets like Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
Sources say Frankfurt want a fee of around £80-85million to part with the France international – who has just been named the Bundesliga Player of the Season by his fellow players.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also interested.
Kane is still the top target for Man United, but negotiations have gone quiet and the Red Devils are pessimistic about the chance of bringing him to the club.
Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund is another player on the list, and would be cheaper than United’s top targets with the Italian outfit holding out for around £60million.
However, I’m told club chiefs feel he is still a bit raw and perhaps not at the same level as the alternatives currently in discussions.
United know they need to add a marquee, established number nine this summer if they are to bridge the gap to rivals Man City.
The takeover situation is dragging on and Man United are now looking at alternative ways to raise funds for their top summer targets.
A new goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker are among the positions being targeted by Erik ten Hag’s side.
I’m told a surprise exit for Jadon Sancho is possible.
United could reluctantly consider offers for the winger, who hasn’t played his best football since arriving at Old Trafford in 2021.
Sources say Sancho could be sacrificed to help bring in the club’s top targets – if the right offer arrives.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
ARSENAL
I’m told the Gunners have leapfrogged Newcastle in the race for Fenerbahce sensation Arda Guler.
The Magpies held talks with the 18-year-old’s representatives but Arsenal are now the English club most interested in sealing a deal.
Guler is one of the most sought-after youngsters in world football, and there is huge competition for his signature from Barcelona and Ajax.
He enhanced his growing reputation with a stunning goal for Turkey against Wales in Euro 2024 qualifying last week.
I’m told Arsenal are now seriously looking into a deal – but face a race against time as Fenerbahce look to remove Guler’s £15million release clause by handing him a new contract.
Meanwhile, it is unlikely Emile Smith Rowe will leave the club despite the imminent arrival of Kai Havertz and a possible deal for Guler.
I’m told Mikel Arteta remains a big fan of the England international despite his limited involvement last season.
The Spaniard is desperate for more competition for places next season – and doesn’t want to be stung by the same lack of depth which contributed to Arsenal’s downfall last term.
Folarin Balogun is a player who is more likely to move on.
I’m told he wants to lay down roots at a permanent home if he is to leave Arsenal – and has already gone public to say he doesn’t want another loan exit.
AC Milan and Crystal Palace have shown interest in the newly-minted United States international, while clubs in Ligue 1 are also monitoring his situation.
Sources say Arsenal are willing to let him depart for a fee of £35million after a goal-laden spell with Stade de Reims.
Such a fee would allow the Gunners to press on with their mammoth transfer spend in this crucial window.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE ARSENAL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
BURNLEY
Millwall attacker Zian Flemming is a top target for the Clarets after his outstanding debut season in the Championship.
Burnley have already had two bids rejected for the 24-year-old, but plan to return again with an improved offer.
I’m told it won’t take a massive fee to prise Flemming away, but Millwall are holding out and keen to make a decent profit.
The player himself is keen on a move to Vincent Kompany’s side.
Burnley would also love to sign Nathan Tella permanently after his successful Turf Moor loan.
But sources tell me Southampton are firmly in the box seat in negotiations and are demanding a fee of £15million for his services.
The Saints feel Tella could be a good weapon for their upcoming Championship campaign – with new boss Russell Martin set to assess his squad in the coming days.
I’m told a fee of £15million could be deemed as too rich for Burnley despite their promotion to the Premier League.
The Lancashire side have been linked with Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi as a potential alternative to Tella.
They are firmly in the market for a new forward, but again – Furuhashi’s price tag could prove too expensive for Burnley.
He has been successful in Scotland and new Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is desperate to keep him as he looks to make a splash in the Champions League next season.
I’m told the Hoops would demand top dollar to even entertain a sale – a bid of around £25million would need to arrive.