Pranav Nair
Manchester United and Arsenal to battle it out for Matheus Martinelli
According to Brazilian outlet Globoesporte (h/t Football London), Manchester United and Arsenal are competing for the signing of Matheus Martinelli.
The 19-year-old has so far made 16 appearances for Brazilian side Fluminense, scoring three goals and making one assist. While he is yet a relative newcomer, Martinelli has shown enough promsie to suggest he can make it at the top level. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The player is, however, happy where he is and is looking forward to playing in the Copa Libertadores. He remains focused on breaking into Roger Machado’s side at the Maracana on a regular basis. (h/t Daily Mail)
Arsenal scouts have followed the player for a while now and have sounded out their interest in him. He is however unlikely to come cheap.
Martinelli has a release clause of €40m, a significant amount given the current financial crisis. Arsenal are currently struggling on and off the field and this could give United a leg up when it comes to making their move.
Arsenal cannot afford to miss out on Martinelli given their options in central midfield. Both Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard are on loan and not making the move permanent will leave them short of options in the middle of the park.
United may also need to look at midfield options in the summer. Paul Pogba may be on his way out while Nemanja Matic is not getting any younger.
The Red Devils have been linked with a prospective replacement in Declan Rice, however, the Englishman will cost a bomb. Martinelli is a cheaper alternative albeit a less experienced one.
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With money at a premium, United may not just need to make smart moves in the window but also brave ones. Moving for Martinelli would suggest just that. Whether it will come to pass remains to be seen.
