Man Utd Veteran Lined-Up For Surprise Move To Arsenal

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsenal are linked with Rio Ferdinand.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is lining-up a shock move for out-of-contract Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand this summer, according to reports today.

Ferdinand has enjoyed 12 trophy-laden years at Old Trafford since making the move from Leeds United back in 2002, winning six Premier League titles as well as the Champions League in 2008.

However, the 35-year-old has been restricted to just 12 appearances this season and with his contract set to expire in June and no sign of an extension being offered, it looks like he could be on the move this summer.

The Mirror claim as many as 12 clubs are showing an interest in Ferdinand if he becomes a free agent with Arsenal a surprise name among those who are keeping an eye on his situation.

The newspaper suggests that Arsene Wenger is on the look-out for an experienced head to offer cover in the center of his defence next season and will offer Ferdinand the chance to continue his career at the top level if he leaves United this summer.

Ferdinand is still holding out for a new contract at Old Trafford and confirmed in an interview with BT Sport last month that he’s not about to hang up his boots anytime soon and he hopes to play on for at least another year or two:

“I feel fit, I feel healthy, I feel good. I’m enjoying my football so I’ll definitely be playing on for another year, hopefully two or three more. But I’ll take it year by year and hopefully another year.

“I’m happy here, I love playing my football. United’s been great for me, it’s enabled my dreams to come true and a lot of the things in football for me.

“So I have to respect whatever decision the club do, and I’ll do what’s best by the club.” Ferdinand is quoted as saying by the Mirror

Interim boss Ryan Giggs has urged the United board to give the veteran defender another year, but the decision will ultimately rest with whoever comes in as manager this summer.

A move to Arsenal would surely appeal if Ferdinand is released by United at the end of the season. The North Londoners have already secured Champions League football for next year so they would offer the player a chance to continue to compete at the very highest level.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

However, if Thomas Vermaelen leaves the Gunners this summer then Ferdinand would likely to brought in as back-up for Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. If the pair stay injury-free then Rio would see little first team action, so he’ll have to decide whether he’s willing to be a squad player at a big club or drop down a level and command a first team place.

Would Arsenal fans like to see Ferdinand join the club? Do United supporters feel he deserves another year? Share your views below.