According to reports, Manchester United have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over the signing of Arsenal transfer target Saul Niguez.
The Daily Mirror note that the Red Devils have begun discussions with the Spanish heavyweights over the future of the 21-year-old midfielder, with Louis van Gaal keen to bring the player to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
The player’s £18 million release clause [fee per the Mirror] means that if push comes to shove, United can always go over Atletico’s head to begin discussions with the player himself, although Diego Simeone is reportedly desperate to keen hold of the young talent.
The tabloid note that Arsenal are also keen on Niguez, although it remains to be seen whether Arsene Wenger will look to battle with United for the player’s future.
However, the Gunners arguably have more need for the player that United, and would potentially represent a better prospect for the player.
While the Red Devils invested heavily in the heart of the park during the summer—with LVG bringing Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger to the club—a switch to Arsenal would mean much less competition for the rising star.
The Gunners have lost Francis Coquelin to injury, and with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta all edging towards the end of their careers, Niguez may well have an ideal opportunity to establish himself at the Emirates Stadium.
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