Arsenal and Man Utd make late attempt to hijack move for top Newcastle, AC Milan target
Arsenal and Manchester United have reportedly made a last-gasp bid to sign Lille defender Sven Botman.
Newcastle United and AC Milan have been battling it out to sign the Netherlands under-21 star.
Six times Liverpool and Man Utd have fought over players before Darwin Nunez
After failing to land Botman in January, the Magpies and Rossoneri are both confident of landing him in the summer transfer window.
The transfer saga has taken lots of twists and turns despite the fact the window only officially opened on Friday.
It was reported by 90min this week that Botman was set to snub Newcastle in favour of a move to Milan, however, The Telegraph claimed a day later that the Geordies “are close to making a breakthrough” and are ‘growing confident’ in their pursuit.
Interest in the 22-year-old is believed to be high, and Italian outlet La Repubblica have now thrown Arsenal into the mix.
Manchester United have been linked for a while, and the report claims that they have joined the Gunners in making a late attempt to sign Botman, despite how close he appears to be to joining Newcastle or Milan.
🗣 “He will leave Lille this summer.”@SkyAnton believes Sven Botman will be on his way to Newcastle. 💰 pic.twitter.com/8L9JcskqRY
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 10, 2022
Lille are ‘not appreciating’ Botman’s behaviour as he flirts with numerous clubs elsewhere.
Tottenham are also in the market for a new central defender and have identified Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni as a top target.
However, The Athletic say Spurs have been “monitoring” Botman’s situation, but are wary that he has less experience in a back three, which is Antonio Conte’s preferred system.
Elsewhere, Alexandre Lacazette has re-signed for Lyon after leaving Arsenal on a free transfer.
A Lyon club statement read: “Olympique Lyonnais are very proud and very happy to announce the return to the club of Alexandre Lacazette, a product of the club’s academy, for the next three seasons.
“Out of contract at English club Arsenal, the French international has signed a three-year deal through June 30, 2025.”
Lacazette scored six goals and made eight assists in 36 appearances for the Gunners last season. In total, the French striker netted 71 times in 206 matches in five years at the north London club.