Manchester United eye move for Real Madrid target whose £52 million release clause becomes active this summer
Erik ten Hag will look to strengthen his forward line in the summer
Manchester United are eyeing a move for RB Leipzig striker Dani Olmo who will be available for £52 million in the summer transfer window.
Regardless of whether Erik ten Hag is granted another season at the helm by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new-look boardroom team, United are certain to strengthen their forward line during the close season.
Last year’s headline purchase Rasmus Hojlund endured a difficult start to his Premier League career but begun to show his worth with a purple patch before sustaining an injury last month.
The Denmark international aside, United’s options up front are limited at best with Anthony Martial having missed the majority of the season.
After a turbulent nine-year career with United, the long-serving Frenchman is finally due to depart on a free in the summer.
In the absence of Martial and Hojlund of late, United have been forced to rely on Marcus Rashford, who prefers not to play through the middle, while Ten Hag has also redeployed the likes of Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes in unfamiliar roles.
United have scouted Olmo on several occasions already this season and have been impressed by the Spain international who scored in La Roja’s midweek friendly against Brazil.
Footballer Dani Olmo playing for Spain
Dani Olmo scored for Spain in their friendly against Brazil (Picture: Getty)
Dani Olmo playing for RB Leipzig.
Dani Olmo will cost interested clubs £52m this summer (Picture: Getty)
The 25-year-old signed a new deal only last summer, but with a release clause becoming active in June he will represent an attractive proposition for a number of clubs.
Real Madrid are also monitoring his situation, while the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest.
At 25 years of age and with a relatively modest asking price, Olmo would certainly fit the type of player Ratcliffe is attempting to recruit this summer.
Appearing as a guest on Geraint Thomas’ Cycling Club podcas earlier this month, the 71-year-old was asked whether he would try to sign England midfielder Bellingham from Real Madrid.
‘He is a great footballer. It’s not where our focus is, the solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players,’ Ratcliffe said.
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Roy Keane is adamant Arsenal will suffer a major blow to their Premier League hopes by losing to title rivals Manchester City.
The Gunners sit top of the table – level on points with Liverpool and one above Man City – with ten games of the 2023-24 campaign remaining.
Arsenal will move four points clear of the defending champions with victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, but a home win would see Pep Guardiola’s side overtake the Gunners as they chase a fourth successive league title.
The Gunners, hoping to becoming English champions for the first time since 2004, were thumped 4-1 in this fixture last season but did beat Manchester City at home earlier in the year.
Despite Arsenal’s impressive form – Mikel Arteta’s side have won 20 of their 28 league games this term – Keane cannot see them getting anything at the Etihad against a Man City side who have their sights set on back-to-back trebles.
‘This is big boy stuff now,’ the former Manchester United captain said on The Overlap. ‘Arsenal are not winning there. Arsenal are not winning at Man City.
‘I’m going 2-1 City. Arsenal aren’t winning there. You’re all getting kidded, I’m telling you.’
The Premier League leaders travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday
Keane revealed his prediction for the Premier League title showdown next to Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who is much more optimistic about his former club’s chances.
‘We’re going to beat them,’ Wright said. ‘You know why I’m saying that? Because we have to beat them.
‘Why should I not think we can win when we’ve got a great defensive record and we’re scoring goals? Why should I now go negative on our chances?
‘I think Arsenal will win. We have to beat them, we have to go for it.’
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Liverpool sit between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League table and are looking to win the title in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
A draw at the Etihad would arguably be the best result from Liverpool’s point of view but Jamie Carragher also sees positives in a Man City or Arsenal win.
Asked if he wants Arsenal to win to dent Man City’s hopes, the Liverpool hero said: ‘Yes, but I think even if Man City lose that game on Sunday, they can still win the league. They can still win the league if they lose.
‘I think if Arsenal get beat, I don’t see how they win the league. For Liverpool, surely you want City to lose but I actually think they could still win the league after that.
‘I don’t see Arsenal winning the league if they get beat. From Liverpool’s point of view then you’re only fighting against one team for the title.
‘I know points-wise it won’t make much of a difference but I just think psychologically it would really affect Arsenal if City jump above them, especially as you’d expect Liverpool to beat Brighton at home and then they’re above Arsenal too.
‘I think it would be tough for Arsenal to come back from that.’
While all eyes will be on the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, return to action earlier in the day against
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