Report: Arsenal keep close tabs on Manchester United youngster, player available on a free next summer
By Aramide Oladipo
Arsenal are interested in signing Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, according to a report.
The Sun claims that the Gunners are keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old’s current situation at Old Trafford and they plan to make a move for him at the end of the campaign.
The youngster’s contract with United runs out next summer which means that he would be able to leave the club on a free transfer once the current season ends.
However, the newspaper reports that the North London club would be obliged to pay a compensation fee in order to land the goalkeeper who has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with United.
The report claims that Arsenal will face competition for his signature as Portuguese champions Benfica are also keen to snap up the youngster and they would be able to sign him on a free transfer due to the Bosman ruling.
Henderson is reportedly ready to leave the Manchester club if they can not assure him a place in the first-team in the near-future.
It is also reported that a number of Championship sides are interesting in landing the goalkeeper in the summer transfer window.
The youngster is currently enjoying a season-long loan with League One side Shrewsbury where he has managed to achieve five clean sheets in 11 matches.
Football Insider verdict
It is understandable to see why Henderson wants to be given assurances from United before making one of the biggest decision of his career. With David de Gea and Sergio Romero currently the preferred choices at Old Trafford, it would be difficult for any young goalkeeper to stake a claim in the United first-team right now. Sam Johnstone, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, is surely experiencing the same situation but both might need to take another giant leap of faith and leave Old Trafford to ensure a better career. With regards to Arsenal, it will be interesting to see whether United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to do business with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Henderson has been fantastic in Shrewsbury and although the Gunners are looking to replace Petr Cech, the youngster should focus on finding a club where he will enjoy the most minutes.
In other Arsenal news, Charlie Nicholas claims that Spurs supporters must appreciate this 25-year-old Arsenal player.
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