Despite their lowly league position, Manchester United will still attempt to compete with the likes of Arsenal in the transfer market this summer.
By all accounts, Man United are leading the race to sign Matheus Cunha, but business won’t stop there at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s side seem keen to back Ruben Amorim over the next few months, even if that might depend on selling a few players too.
However, there seems conceivable belief that Man United’s squad will be better tailored to Amorim’s needs by the end of August.
Of course, Mikel Arteta is also trying to boost his own chances in the Premier League next season at Arsenal, two sides who might overlap when it comes to transfer targets.
Man United are advancing in deal for Antoine Semenyo
That being said, the Independent have shared that United have now ‘made advances’ in pursuit of Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth.
Semenyo has enjoyed a remarkable season under Andoni Iraola and he could fit perfectly into one of Amorim’s roles behind the striker — explaining interest from Old Trafford.
The report explains that United’s move for Semenyo would be dependent on qualifying for the Champions League via next week’s final against Tottenham Hotspur.
And in addition, Spurs would also need to sell players before committing to a deal, given that Semenyo has a price tag of around £60m.
Bournemouth aren’t against selling Semenyo this summer — they want to reward players for succeeding at the club, but they will stand firm on their valuation.
Of course, Arsenal are interested in Semenyo too following his superb campaign on the south coast, and they might have a slight advantage were they to table a bid.
Antoine Semenyo admitted he’s an Arsenal fan
Speaking to The Athletic towards the end of last year, Semenyo did actually admit that he was an Arsenal fan.
The forward protested that he doesn’t let his fan allegiance affect his on-the-field career in any way, as he proved when Bournemouth won at the Emirates recently.
But perhaps he would still ultimately prefer a move to Arsenal over United, were both options presented his way.
Speaking candidly, Semenyo said: “I am an Arsenal fan, I don’t conflict the two with my job.
“It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen I need to prove it.”
