Arsenal Out in Front Over Man United and Man City in Pursuit of ‘Unbelievable’ Playmaker
Arsenal are emerging as clear favourites to sign the highly sought-after attacking midfielder described as “unbelievable,” leading both Manchester United and Manchester City in the transfer race, according to multiple sources. Here’s a comprehensive, 1,000‑word breakdown of the unfolding saga:
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🎯 The Target: A Creative Dynamo
The midfielder in question has dazzled in the 2024–25 season with a remarkable tally of 14 goals and 11 assists from midfield. His standout performances, including a starring role in a surprising FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, have marked him out as one of Europe’s most promising playmakers .
Reports suggest Crystal Palace, his current club, are ready to cash in on a club-record transfer, having accepted a bid thought to include a £45 million upfront payment, with performance‑based add-ons that could reach £67.5 million and match his contract release clause .
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Why Arsenal Are Leading
1. Financial Muscle & Valuation
Arsenal’s proposed package, which brackets his release clause, seems to have satisfied Palace’s valuation. Crucially, the deal structures appear aligned with what Crystal Palace are willing to accept—something rival suitors have reportedly failed to emulate .
2. Player Preference
According to insiders, the playmaker has expressed a strong preference to join Arsenal, even rejecting overtures from Manchester United and then–Premier League champions Manchester City. Reports indicate that he desires to progress his career under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage .
3. Clear Tactical Fit
Arsenal’s midfield lineup is evolving rapidly. With the arrival of Martin Zubimendi and a need for added creativity in the final third, the club sees this player as the ideal complement to Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. Whether deployed centrally or on the left, he would immediately elevate Arsenal’s attacking threat .
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Man United & Man City: Interested but Falling Behind
Manchester United
While United have explored various attacking reinforcement options, including targets like Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko, they are not prioritizing this particular ‘playmaker’ deal. Their attention appears split across multiple fronts, and they face budget limitations after splashing nearly £130 million on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo earlier in the window .
Manchester City
City had previously scouted several creative midfielders—including Bruno Guimarães—but now seem more focused on bolstering other areas of the squad. While still a top club, their interest in this specific individual appears to have cooled compared to Arsenal’s decisive move .
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Arsenal’s Broader Transfer Strategy
Recent Signings
Arsenal have been active: signing Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Nørgaard, David Raya, and securing the major addition of striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP for around £55 million (€63.5m) plus add-ons. Gyökeres has been confirmed as Arsenal’s marquee forward signing and will reportedly wear the iconic No. 14 shirt once worn by Thierry Henry and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang .
Long-Term Reinforcement Plan
This playmaker pursuit forms part of a wider reshaping of the Arsenal squad. The club is balancing defensive upgrades—adding depth behind Declan Rice—with attacking creativity and cutting-edge Forward play, positioning themselves as serious title contenders for the 2025–26 season .
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What Crystal Palace Stands to Gain
Financial Windfall
The fee could set a new club-record sale for Crystal Palace, ensuring significant reinvestment capability and financial stability. The structure of guaranteed upfront payment, plus performance-linked additional payouts, gives them both security and upside .
Reinforcement Strategy
With such proceeds, Palace may look to target emerging midfield talents or reinforce their attacking unit, especially if also losing captains or senior creatives in the same window.
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Tactical Impact at Arsenal
Creativity & Versatility
Although Arsenal already have creative players like Ødegaard and Rice, this playmaker adds versatility. He can rotate across the number 8 or number 10 roles, or even occupy wide positions—bringing unpredictability to Arsenal’s attacking shape .
Competition in Midfield
The arrival would challenge internal competition—players such as Kai Havertz (who has already dropped deeper), Mikel Merino (who occasionally led the line), and new signing Zubimendi as a defensive anchor. This internal competition is likely to lift performance levels overall .
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Player Background & Motivation
At 27 years of age, the midfielder is entering his prime. His strong 2024–25 season statistics and ability to perform in high-pressure matches—including a standout FA Cup display—underscore his mental and technical maturity .
Sources suggest he views Arsenal as the ideal platform to win major honours and elevate his international recognition.
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Potential Challenges & Complications
Departure of Internal Options
Adding another star could lead to squad congestion and some departures. It remains uncertain whether he would compete directly with Ødegaard or displace Gabriel Martinelli in wide roles, which may lead to reshuffling of playing time .
Competitive Transfer Landscape
While Arsenal appear to have won the day for now, last-minute interest from rivals—including Manchester United’s bid for Gyökeres to potentially disrupt Arsenal’s deal—demonstrates that nothing is entirely secure until all paperwork is signed .
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Conclusion
Arsenal have taken the lead in securing one of the most exciting midfield talents in the Premier League. With a structured agreement that meets both player and selling club demands, a strong preference from the player himself, and tactical alignment with Arteta’s vision, Arsenal appear positioned to win this race.
Meanwhile, Manchester United and Manchester City, though interested in high-profile additions elsewhere, are currently trailing in this particular pursuit. Until official confirmation, the race remains open—but all signs point to Arsenal coming out on top in their bid for this “unbelievable” playmaker.
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