Pranav Nair
Arsenal passed on Donny van de Beek prior to Manchester United switch
According to journalist Patrick Juan (h/t The Sun), Arsenal passed on Donny van de Beek prior to Manchester United signing him.
The 23-year-old was officially unveiled as a Red Devil yesterday. He became the club’s first senior signing of the window.
It could all have been so different had Arsenal forked out the £39million needed to secure him. The Gunners did not believe his valuation reflected his worth.
The fact was also confirmed by the player’s agent, Sjaak Swart. He revealed that the Gunners were indeed keen on signing his client.
“They really wanted him, but they couldn’t get the money for the transfer.”
United were far from the only suitors for the Dutchman. As many as six teams including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus were keen on his signature.
Fortunately for us, the rest of them backed off following the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Their loss is now set to be our gain.
A player with an excellent engine, Van de Beek should fit in well alongside Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
The 23-year-old is coming off a fine season with Ajax. He scored 10 goals and 11 assists before the Dutch football season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 23-year-old caught the club’s eye in Ajax’s run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals in 2018. He scored key goals against both Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur, leading his side to within seconds of making the final.
The experience will do him good, with United set to return to the competition next season.
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We find it surprising that a club of Arsenal’s stature who have had had the liked of Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars play for them, undervalued Van de Beek.
Not that we are complaining. After all, it just made our job of securing him all the easier. It will be one for the front pages if he ends up scoring the winner at the Emirates next season.
