A player Mikel Arteta wants at Arsenal would actually prefer to join Manchester United this summer.
Despite missing out on a place in the UEFA Champions League for next season – only sneaking into the UEFA Europa League thanks to that FA Cup win – Manchester United still quite clearly hold plenty of pulling power.
So, which Arsenal target is leaning towards a move to Manchester United instead? Let’s take a look…
Federico Chiesa prefers Manchester United to Arsenal
A story from Gazzetta dello Sport now provides an update on the future of Federico Chiesa.
The Italy international is on the market this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with Juventus, with the Italian giants eager for a sale, in order not to lose their £54m man for nothing in 2025.
Italian news outlet Tutto Juve claimed earlier this week that Arsenal have opened talks with Juventus over a deal for Chiesa – who is viewed by Arteta and Edu as an alternative to Nico Williams.
Now – however – Gazzetta dello Sport believe the Juventus No.7 would prefer a move to Manchester United.
It is said that Bayern Munich and the Red Devils have asked about Chiesa this summer, with the Italian himself indicating to his agents that a switch to Old Trafford is his No.1 choice.
That is – presumably – not what Arsenal wanted to hear.
Chiesa – who Alessandro Pierini called a “world class” footballer – scored ten goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances for Juventus in all competitions last season.
Gunners could still beat the Red Devils to the Italian
There is still a chance of Arsenal winning this transfer battle, as Gazzetta dello Sport reveal an interesting nugget of information.
They state that, while Chiesa would love to join Manchester United, he also has a strong desire to play UEFA Champions League football at his next club, with Erik ten Hag only able to offer the UEFA Europa League for now.
Therefore, if Arsenal are particularly convincing in talks with Juventus and the 26-year-old, there is still a chance of the Gunners securing his signature.
Arsenal can not only offer UEFA Champions League football, but also a decent chance of winning the competition, having come very close to securing the last two Premier League titles – Arteta clearly has a very capable set of players at his disposal.
READ MORE: Arsenal told they can sign “one of the best players in the world” if bid is increased by £26.1m
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Europe’s elite clubs fight over Chiesa.