Seven transfer targets for Arsenal and United this January.
Arsenal and Manchester United may be about to do battle in the Premier League this weekend, but the two old rivals could also be in for some battles in the transfer market this January.
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Both teams are seemingly in need of players in similar positions, with Arsene Wenger and Louis van Gaal short of quality options in defence and defensive midfield in particular.
This could make for an intriguing January as the two Premier League giants tussle to get their hands on the world’s best talent, with these seven players thought to be in these sides’ plans this winter:
1) Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
One of the world’s top defensive midfield players, Real Madrid contract rebel Sami Khedira is attracting plenty of attention at the moment as he could be available on a free transfer next summer. The German international could be a top signing for any big club, but Arsenal and United are unsurprisingly keen to land him as they may not find a more ideal player available for nothing. Still, some recent reports claim Bayern Munich are leading the race for his signature.
2) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the best central defenders in the world at the moment, Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels is another top class signing both these Premier League giants are looking to make this January as they look to improve at the back. The German World Cup winner could move for as much as £47m, which has seemingly put United as slight favourites to land him.
3) Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)
Arsenal and Manchester United are also mentioned as among the clubs chasing unsettled Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani ahead of the January transfer window. The world class Uruguayan has not been at his best since leaving Napoli for a big-money move to France last summer, though it is claimed that he might not be keen on a move to the Premier League for the moment.
4) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
A top target for almost everyone in Europe at the moment, Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus is also the centre of Arsenal and United’s interest at the moment, having established himself as one of the best players in the Bundesliga in recent years. Still, both clubs could be set to miss out on his signature to rivals Chelsea.
5) Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Another player nearing the end of his contract and facing an uncertain future, Barcelona right-back Dani Alves has supposedly attracted strong interest from Arsenal and United as well as Tottenham Hotspur. The experienced Brazilian could no doubt make a top class signing in either club’s back four.
6) Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich)
Unhappy with a lack of regular first-team football at Bayern Munich, Xherdan Shaqiri is another possible signing who could be available this January and make a quality addition for both Arsenal and United. Still, it may be that Bayern will resist bids for the Swiss youngster at this time, according to recent reports.
7) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
An outstanding young French defender currently making a name for himself in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao, Aymeric Laporte is another top class player being strongly linked with both Arsenal and United ahead of January. The 20-year-old could already be set to cost the clubs big money, but he looks a talent well worth investing in.