Transfer rumours: Man Utd face another price hike, Jonathan David speaks out, Mikel Arteta’s ‘dream’ signing

A look at the latest transfer rumours surrounding some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Manchester United will again be on the lookout for new talent this January as they continue the biggest spending bill since Liz Truss visited the Norwich City club shop.

Few have spent more than the Red Devils in recent years, and few have had a worse return on their money, with United currently on a five-year trophy drought which doesn’t look likely to end this season. Though, there have been some steps forward under Erik ten Hag, albeit United do remain outside the top four as the World Cup rumbles on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Anyway, back to the spending. United are said to be interested in Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who could come in to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka - another one of those failed transfers of the past. The problem is that, as ever, United are not alone.

According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are interested as they look for a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, and indeed Lucas Vazquez, who often fills in at right-back. Just a rumour? Perhaps, and United do have the pull of having a Dutch manager, but if it’s one thing we’ve learned from the Red Devils, it’s that if the price gets driven up, they’ll probably just pay it anyway.

Elsewhere, Lille star Jonathan David has been talking up a move to the Premier League amid links with the likes of United and Chelsea. He has said: “I am aware of nothing. When I am at the World Cup I am just focused on trying to enjoy the World Cup and enjoying the moment. What happens after I do not know, we will have to see.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world and I think every player would want to play there some day. What makes the difference at the highest level is the smallest differences. Any player who plays at the World Cup, no matter what the outcome, you become a better player, you learn from it, and it helps you grow.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lille represented Canada at the World Cup, and it wasn’t a memorable campaign for the North American side. Thankfully, David will be young enough to represent his nation as they play joint-hosts with the USA and Mexico in four years’ time, still only 22.

Asensio is at the World Cup with Spain Asensio is at the World Cup with Spain
Asensio is at the World Cup with Spain

Last but not least, Arsenal are being linked with Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio ahead of January. Rumours love to play on national links, as we saw earlier with Frimpong and Ten Hag, so it’s no surprise to see claims Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Asensio’s. Calciomercatoweb claims AC Milan and Juventus are also interested, though the latter may struggle given calls for sanctions over their spending.

Crucially, Asensio is out of contract in the summer, and he is unsure on whether he should sign a new deal amid inconsistent play time, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr the stars of the show at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal need more depth out wide, and perhaps more experience given the youthful nature of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. This one may actually make sense for the Gunners and Asensio, who is likely to be sold on the cheap if he doesn’t pen a new deal. Though, for now, he is in Qatar and focused on the World Cup with Spain.