Man Utd battle Arsenal over most valuable free agent

Manchester United and Arsenal are set to go head-to-head in the transfer market to sign the most valuable free agent in the game.

Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane has emerged as a target for both Man Utd and the Gunners, with both clubs seeking to enhance their attacking options with a bargain deal prior to the 2025/26 season.

With both clubs lacking the type of offensive muscle they would like, they are aware January deals will be expensive and are seeking to plug their offensive gaps with the addition of Germany international Sane, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €43.1 million.

Arsenal have been seeking a wide attacker since the summer, and while they ultimately moved to sign Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea, the probability is that he will move on at the end of the season after a disappointing start to his career at the Emirates.

With Mikel Arteta seeking more quality in the wide areas, Sane would appear to be an ideal addition to the squad.

At Man Utd, meanwhile, new head coach Ruben Amorim is expected to install a 3-4-3 system, in which Sane could operate behind a central forward. The Portuguese coach loves ball carries in the style of the 28-year-old, so the attraction is clear.

Who are the most valuable free agents?

With an ETV of €43m, Sane stands clear as the most valuable player heading for free agency in 2025 – ahead of some stiff competition.

Bayern teammate Joshua Kimmich comes next at €39.1m followed by Lille striker Jonathan David, who Fabrizio Romano says will take his time over deciding his future, at €34.7m.

Liverpool face losing a trio of top players for nothing next summer, yet Mohamed Salah is worth only €27.9m, Virgil van Dijk just €19m and Trent Alexander-Arnold €26.4m, with the age of the first two a major reason why they are not worth more.