According to Daily Star, Arsenal identify Manchester Untied attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard as their new target.
The Gunners are searching for a creative midfielder as Martin Odegaard’s future at North London is still uncertain. Also, Mikel Arteta has not replaced Mesut Ozil with someone of a similar trait. They feel that England international can fit in their style of play brilliantly, especially after his recent exploits with West Ham United.
His current resurgence with West Ham has been a treat to watch for the football fans, and that has also brought him back to England head coach Gareth Southgate’s scheme of things for the upcoming European Championships. At the moment, Lingard is featuring for the Hammers after they signed him from United on loan during the January transfer window. But David Moyes’ side does not have any agreement in place to sign the 28-year-old attacking midfielder.
Manchester United management is very smart, and they want to potentially use Lingard’s current form to eke out more money, and even a return to Old Trafford may also be on the cards. There are also reports that United wants to include Lingard in their Declan Rice deal. They feel that they can use Lingard as a makeweight to ask Rice, who is one of their top targets this summer.
If that does not work out, United may just sell Lingard to a team with the highest bid for the England star as now Arsenal have also entered the race to sign him. West Ham United are willing to go an extra mile to finalize the deal for the 28-year-old, but United are willing to play the waiting game, despite setting a £30million asking fee for Lingard earlier.
Former England footballer and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson urged the 28-year-old to stay in East London, especially because of their style of play which suits him.
If I was him, I would [go to West Ham]. It ticks the box for him. He’s the star man there, he gets a lot of the ball. They play to his strengths. For me, I think it works for him. I think it’s the perfect move.
he said to Sky Sports.
The youngster has been in fiery form since joining the Hammers in the winter transfer window. He has notched up six goals for them in eight Premier League appearances. He was crucial in matches against Spurs, Arsenal and also scored a goal in their recent 3-2 win against Wolves.
