Arsenal Have Made Shock Contact to Sign £26m-£34m Man Utd Player – Report

Arsenal Have Made Shock Contact to Sign £26m-£34m Man Utd Player – Report

 

 

In one of the most surprising developments of the summer transfer window, Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Manchester United over a potential deal to sign one of their senior players, valued between £26 million and £34 million. The move, described by some as “shock” due to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, signals serious intent from the Gunners as they seek to strengthen key areas in their squad.

 

According to multiple reports emerging from both English and continental sources, the player in question is believed to be Scott McTominay—a versatile midfielder who has divided opinion among the Manchester United faithful but remains a valuable asset due to his work rate, tactical intelligence, and Premier League experience.

 

A Shock Approach

 

Very few would have predicted Arsenal moving for a Manchester United player, let alone someone like McTominay, who has spent his entire career at Old Trafford. But sources close to the situation suggest that Arsenal’s interest is genuine, and initial exploratory talks have already taken place. With McTominay entering the final two years of his contract and United open to cashing in on several squad members to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) obligations, a deal might not be entirely off the table.

 

Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay a fee in the range of £26 million to £34 million to secure his services. That valuation, while somewhat surprising for a player not always seen as a first-choice starter at United, reflects McTominay’s proven track record in the Premier League, his homegrown status, and his leadership qualities—attributes that are still highly valued at the elite level.

 

Why Would Arsenal Want McTominay?

 

Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to be active in the transfer market as they prepare for another title challenge in 2025. While the starting XI remains one of the most balanced in the Premier League, depth has been an issue—particularly in midfield, where injuries to Thomas Partey and the reliance on Declan Rice have forced Arteta to consider alternative options.

 

McTominay could offer Arsenal a utility player capable of operating as a box-to-box midfielder or even in a more defensive role. He also possesses an underrated knack for scoring goals from midfield, something Arsenal could use in tight matches where their attacking flow is disrupted. His physicality, pressing ability, and composure in high-stakes games could complement the Gunners’ style and provide extra steel during congested fixture periods.

 

Arteta has shown a willingness to trust players with tactical discipline and strong work ethic, and McTominay ticks both boxes. While not flashy, his reliability and Premier League pedigree make him a potentially valuable squad member—especially if Arsenal are competing across four fronts, including the Champions League.

 

Manchester United’s Stance

 

From United’s perspective, a sale could make sense under certain conditions. Scott McTominay has enjoyed more game time under Erik ten Hag than initially expected, especially due to injuries across the midfield. However, with Kobbie Mainoo establishing himself and United targeting midfield reinforcements this summer, including the likes of João Neves or Amadou Onana, McTominay’s long-term future is uncertain.

 

United may also be under pressure to generate revenue through player sales, and McTominay represents pure profit on the balance sheet, being an academy graduate. Selling him for around £30 million would be considered excellent business, particularly with his contract due to expire in 2026. However, selling to a direct rival like Arsenal may give the club pause—especially if they believe McTominay could thrive under Arteta and potentially haunt United in future encounters.

 

Fan Reaction and Rivalry Tensions

 

The very idea of Arsenal signing a Manchester United player—particularly one still considered to be in his prime—is bound to stir up reactions from both fanbases. Historically, transfers between the two clubs have been extremely rare. The most notable in recent years was Robin van Persie’s move from Arsenal to United in 2012, which caused major controversy among Gunners supporters but ultimately helped United clinch the Premier League title that season.

 

This time, the power dynamic has shifted. Arsenal are seen as the more stable and progressive club, while United are in the midst of a rebuild. That makes the idea of Arsenal poaching a United player all the more dramatic. For United fans, losing McTominay to a direct rival may be a bitter pill to swallow—especially considering his identity as a homegrown, passionate figure who often led by example during tough spells.

 

For Arsenal fans, the move may seem underwhelming at first glance, especially given the club’s recent targeting of high-profile midfielders like Martin Zubimendi and Douglas Luiz. However, if Arteta sees McTominay as a tactical fit who can offer reliability and experience off the bench or in rotation, the move could be shrewd—especially at a relatively modest price.

 

Tactical Fit at Arsenal

 

In Arteta’s system, McTominay could be used in several roles. Most naturally, he would serve as a backup to Declan Rice in the No. 6 role, especially in more physical games. Alternatively, he could be deployed as a No. 8 in a double-pivot setup, giving Arsenal more defensive cover when chasing tight games.

 

One of McTominay’s most underrated strengths is his timing of late runs into the box. Arsenal often rely on intricate build-up play and cutbacks from wide areas, and a midfielder who can arrive in the box with power and purpose could provide a different dimension—particularly against low blocks.

 

With the potential departure of Mohamed Elneny and the uncertain futures of Partey and Jorginho, Arsenal will need squad depth and balance in midfield. McTominay, while not the most glamorous option, might prove to be an astute addition.

 

Could the Deal Actually Happen?

 

While initial contact has reportedly been made, a lot would have to happen for this deal to materialize. First, United would need to be fully convinced that selling to Arsenal wouldn’t backfire. Second, McTominay himself would need to agree to the move—a decision not taken lightly given his long-standing ties to Manchester United.

 

From Arsenal’s side, there are likely other midfield targets under consideration. McTominay may be a backup plan in case first-choice options fall through. However, the fact that contact has been made indicates a level of genuine interest.

 

Timing will also be crucial. If Arsenal move quickly and present a compelling offer to both club and player, they could steal a march on other interested parties. If negotiations drag on, other Premier League or European sides could enter the fray.

 

Conclusion

 

The idea of Scott McTominay swapping Manchester United for Arsenal may seem unlikely on the surface, but modern football continues to produce unexpected twists. With Arsenal seeking physicality, experience, and squad depth—and United needing to trim their squad and raise funds—a deal in the £26m-£34m range could suit both parties.

 

Whether this transfer goes ahead remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a fresh layer of intrigue to what promises to be a fascinating summer transfer window.

 

 

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