Manchester United are in pole position to sign Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (page 20).
The Morocco international had an impressive 2022/23 season for club and country, and he is now expected to pursue a bigger challenge away from La Viola.
Amrabat has already informed the Serie A outfit about his ambition, and the club are prepared to sell him if their current €30 million (£26m) asking price is met.
Corriere dello Sport believe United are now favourites to sign the 26-year-old. Atletico Madrid are no longer in the race due to ‘economic difficulties’.
Barcelona have not been mentioned by the Italian outlet, but they face the same scenario. The Blaugrana are relying on free transfers to bolster their squad.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina have identified Juventus midfielder Arthur as Amrabat’s replacement, though the Brazilian’s wages are on the higher side for them.
They could propose to sign the 26-year-old on loan with a buy option.
United’s move for Amrabat could depend on player sales
United recently purchased Mason Mount from Chelsea for £55m, and they are anticipated to pay an initial £43m for the signing of goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan.
This would take their spending spree to £98m. The club’s current pre-sales budget is around £120m and in our view, United are unlikely to spend the rest on Amrabat’s signature.
The Red Devils need to invest on a young marquee striker. Atalanta are currently looking for a staggering £86m for Rasmus Hojlund. An alternative won’t be cheap for United either.
After Onana’s arrival, the club could focus on the sales of Fred, Dean Henderson and Anthony Elanga such that they can recoup funds for the acquisition of a new number nine.
Amrabat would like to work under manager Erik ten Hag after their time together at Utrecht, but as things stand, another defensive midfielder is not a priority for the Red Devils.
They could return for him in the final weeks of the transfer window, suppose Scott McTominay for example heads for the exit door. For now, we don’t see a deal happening.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
