Arsenal tipped for shock Old Trafford raid as Amorim clears the way for £100m man
Arsenal are set to launch a stunning January transfer window raid on Manchester United for England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, in a move that would free up space in Ruben Amorim’s squad for a £100million target.
It’s no secret that Amorim wants midfield reinforcements in 2026, with major changes expected in United’s engine room over the next two windows – and it could be a case of one in, one out in the new year.
Indeed, TEAMtalk has regularly reported Man Utd’s interest in Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Conor Gallagher. However, it is a major project that is on the agenda regarding the future of Mainoo.
Shock raid at Arsenal for Mainoo
Arsenal have been tipped to join Mainoo as potential short-term cover for Martin Odegaard, according to a reliable source. ESPN reporter, as TEAMtalk reveals the Red Devils’ current midfield position.
While there is renewed confidence in Ruben Amorim’s ability to lead Man Utd into the top four of the Premier League this season, one player unlikely to play a major role for the team in the coming weeks and months is Mainoo. With Bruno Fernandes ahead of him in the pecking order as one of the two pivots in Amorim’s favored 3-4-2-1 formation, Mainoo has been limited to just 171 minutes in the Premier League so far this season – without a single league start.
TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has reported interest in Mainoo from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Manchester City and Napoli are understood to be also monitoring the situation of Mainoo, who wanted to leave Man Utd in the summer of 2025 but was convinced to stay at Old Trafford.
However, ESPN Journalist Mark Odgen has now explained why Arsenal could move for Mainoo as short-term cover for Martin Odegaard.
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Critical factor behind Man Utd signing Anderson
As United prepare for Mainoo’s potential exit, sources have told TEAMtalk that the Red Devils’ transfer chiefs are a little concerned about the growing competition to sign Nottingham Forest and England star Anderson.
Indeed, United want to have a strong message in place to help convince Anderson to join the team, but also believe the final result of his season will have a strong influence on his ability to win the race.
However, securing the former Newcastle man won’t be simple, as Forest have positioned his market value close to the £100m (€114m/$132m) mark.
They believe in the figure because of his consistent, high-level performances and his involvement in England’s World Cup plans. Forest doesn’t want to part ways with him, although he recognizes the current level of interest gives him leverage.
United are ready to invest in a proven midfielder, but their ability to sign Anderson depends on one deciding factor.
Romano reveals interest from Conor Gallagher
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed United are seriously considering a January move to bring Conor Gallagher back to the Premier League after Atletico Madrid lowered their asking price, while a second source revealed Ruben Amorim could still turn to a Serie A-based alternative also available at a reduced price.
Romano has now revealed that one player United inquired about in the summer – Gallagher – will now be allowed to leave Atletico Madrid, with a move to Old Trafford considered if the asking price is met.
“I think there is a chance for Conor Gallagher to leave Atletico Madrid as early as the January transfer window or possibly this summer,” Romano told his team. YouTube channel.
“It will also depend on the formula of the deal. Manchester United were interested in Conor Gallagher as an opportunity in the last days of August, but Atletico said no to a loan and they don’t have that kind of intention.”
Although Gallagher has plenty of Premier League experience and would surely welcome a return to the Premier League, he is not the only cut-price midfield addition United were considering ahead of the January window.
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Rashford’s transfer to Barca hits a stumbling block
Barcelona’s decision to make Marcus Rashford’s transfer permanent is apparently not as simple as it seems, with the Catalan giants seemingly divided on the issue.
The Spanish heavyweights have an option in Rashford’s loan deal which sees them secure the England striker permanently this summer for a bargain £26million.
Aston Villa had a similar option – albeit at a higher price of £40million – when Rashford spent the second half of last term playing under Unai Emery at Villa Park.
While Villa ultimately decided not to activate the clause, Barcelona faces a similar dilemma at the end of the season.
Initially, it seemed likely that the LaLiga side would exercise the option to buy. However, a Spanish publication Sport reports that there are concerns within the club over Rashford’s high salary.
The England international took a 25% pay cut and now earns around £240,000 per week, with Barca covering his entire salary during the loan spell. However, it appears that a permanent change could hit a roadblock unless a compromise can be found on Rashford’s salary going forward.