Arsenal fear Man Utd hijack of favourite Arteta transfer target

Arsenal are fearful they could lose out on one of Mikel Arteta’s long-term transfer targets to Manchester United this summer after Ruben Amorim stepped up his chase for the player.

United are aiming to transform their squad this summer and upgrade in a number of positions, with Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap among the club’s top targets in attack.

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However, Amorim is also keen on strengthening in goal after a string of mistakes by Andre Onana, which has led United to explore a deal for Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia.

Reports in Spain over the weekend have suggested that United have already opened talks with Garcia over a summer transfer and TBR Football have revealed that Arsenal are now realising it will be ‘increasingly difficult’ for them to secure a deal for the Spaniard.

Arteta was looking to renew his interest in Garcia this summer after a failed approach last year but the 23-year-old could be tempted to pursue a first-team spot at Old Trafford over playing backup to David Raya at Arsenal.

Garcia is believed to have transfer options in Italy and alongside interest from United, Arsenal and Bournemouth, who are all ready to activate the player’s €30 million release clause.

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United set to be priced out of move for Man City target

Garcia would be a cheaper alternative to another United target in Diogo Costa, who FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in January that Manchester City are targeting to replace Ederson with.

United have also held a long-standing interest in Costa but FootballTransfers understands that the biggest block to signing the goalkeeper is convincing him to leave his boyhood club Porto.

New reports have suggested that City have already had a €40m bid turned down for Costa, with Pep Guardiola’s side aiming to avoid paying the Portuguese international’s €75m release clause.

With Porto reportedly holding out for closer to €60m, United are unlikely to formalise their interest in Costa and could instead go all out for Garcia, although much will depend on the future of Onana and his form to end the season.

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