Report: Bundesliga star rejects Man United in favour of £75m Arsenal move

Arsenal move favored as Karim Adeyemi changes Premier League ambitions

Karim Adeyemi’s future has taken a decisive turn, with the Borussia Dortmund striker indicating a strong preference for Arsenal – according to The Mirror – despite sustained interest from Manchester United. The development represents a significant shift in the Premier League landscape, particularly given United’s extensive groundwork to position themselves at the front of the line.

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Growing interest in Adeyemi

Old Trafford bosses were monitoring Adeyemi closely, confident a move could be worked out before next season. The club hired Jorge Mendes to evaluate the feasibility of a deal, identifying the 23-year-old as a potential solution to the offensive line’s long-term issues.

Ruben Amorim had also placed Adeyemi among his priority options for the next window, but the financial element quickly complicated the negotiations. Dortmund value the Germany international at £75million – a figure which exceeds what United were prepared to commit.

Those close to the matter now recognize that Adeyemi’s stance effectively ruled United out. The player has long admired the direction Arsenal are taking under their current management, with sources in Germany describing the Gunners as his “preferred destination” should he leave the Bundesliga this summer.

Contractual impasse and off-field headlines

Adeyemi remains under contract until 2027, but attempts to secure an extension have stalled. Dortmund officials had hoped to find a solution before the end of the year, but the striker is increasingly open to new opportunities and is expected to explore a solution at the end of the season.

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Earlier this week, Adeyemi was the subject of an unexpected off-field check after being fined €450,000 for possessing two prohibited items. His public apology sought to draw a line under the issue, with a detailed statement posted on his social media:

“In recent days, you have probably heard about me in the newspapers. It is not easy for me to talk about it. At the beginning of 2024, through negligence and without really thinking about what I was doing, I ordered a “mystery box” on the Internet. It contained objects that are not permitted by weapons legislation.”

He added: “Nevertheless, it was a huge mistake. A mistake that I am truly sorry for, that has cost me dearly and that I deeply regret. I know that I am in the public eye and that I have a role as a role model. I did not live up to that.”

Adeyemi stressed that he learned from the incident: “It hurts me even more that I acted so recklessly. I learned more than I can express in words. And I promise you that I will avoid such mistakes in the future.”

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Dortmund response and Premier League implications

Niko Kovac was quick to draw a line under the matter, confirming that the club would not impose any additional sanctions and that Adeyemi remained part of their plans. “That’s no reason for me to ban it for the next few weeks,” he said. “I am not his father, but his coach… The focus is clearly on the Bundesliga. He will have all our support.”

The manager’s position ensures Adeyemi will continue to feature prominently for Dortmund, but he is increasingly expected to push for a move this summer. Arsenal, who have been tracking his progress since his emergence at RB Salzburg, are watching the developments with growing interest. United, conversely, appear to be reassessing their targets as they look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.

Adeyemi’s combination of pace, directness and versatility across the front line makes him an attractive prospect for Premier League clubs. Should Arsenal assert their interest, they would position themselves strongly given the player’s preference – although Dortmund’s valuation means negotiations are likely to be demanding.

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For now, United must evaluate alternatives while Arsenal sense an opportunity to bolster their advanced options with a player widely regarded as one of Europe’s most explosive attacking talents.