Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly planning to seal a late deal for Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, as per The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell.
Following Casemiro’s departure as a free agent and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury during the World Cup with Uruguay, the Red Devils prioritised revamping the midfield department this summer.
Initially, they were linked with expensive options like Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes. But United couldn’t buy any one of them.
Ultimately, Man Utd have purchased Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba from Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion, respectively, this summer.
However, on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Whitwell reports that United are planning to buy a new midfielder before today’s deadline and are working to sign Page.
Although academy signings can be made after the end of the transfer window, Page is going to be a first-team acquisition should they purchase him. So, they need to buy him before the 11 PM deadline, and Leicester want a few million to let him leave.
The journalist claims that Arsenal are also interested in the 18-year-old, with United figuring out whether they can afford to finalise the operation this summer.
Battle
Despite winning the Premier League title last term, the Gunners have decided to refresh the midfield department this summer. After letting Christian Norgaard join Everton, they have purchased Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.
So, the North London club currently have Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Guimaraes as midfield options. Meaning, Mikel Arteta doesn’t need to add more depth to this position unless anyone leaves.
The same can be said about Man Utd, as Michael Carrick currently has Santos, Baleba, Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo as deeper midfield options. Moreover, Mason Mount can provide cover in this area if needed.
Nevertheless, Page is a highly talented young player and possesses the potential to reach the top. So, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Man Utd with a view to the long-term future should either club purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club or the Old Trafford club eventually manage to secure his services today.
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