Man Utd beaten to dream signing with rival offer accepted; Ten Hag rebounds with €40m coup Arsenal, Chelsea won’t destroy

Erik ten Hag’s “main” defensive target has accepted a rival offer, though a Man Utd move for a very viable alternative appears far more achievable, per reports.

The Red Devils are chasing additions at goalkeeper, centre-half, central midfield and striker this summer. Regarding the defensive acquisition, Fabrizio Romano previously labelled Napoli’s Kim Min-jae as United’s “main” and “top” target.

The South Korean, 26, is coming off the back of a dominant campaign in Naples. Kim was the leader in a Napoli defence that anchored the club to their first league title since 1990.

The presence of a modest release clause worth roughly €50m (approx. £43.2m) appeared to make the deal straightforward. The clause can be activated in a two-week period between July 1-15.

However, Bayern Munich also emerged as a credible contender to snap up Kim. According to Romano, that’s exactly what they’re on the cusp of doing.

Indeed, the transfer guru tweeted Bayern have struck a “total agreement” on personal terms with Kim. A five-year deal will be penned once Kim returns from military service in South Korea.

Romano declared Bayern will trigger the release clause in the coming days and gave Kim to Bayern his signature “here we go” confirmation.

Kim will join Bayern to replace Lucas Hernandez who is moving to PSG. Bayern’s back-up option to Kim was Pau Torres of Villarreal who is now on course to join Aston Villa instead.

As such, Man Utd have been frozen out, though perhaps not for long.

Man Utd path to Kim alternative clears

Indeed, both Romano and Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports insisted United have eyed up Monaco’s Axel Disasi as the next best option.

The 25-year-old has four caps for France to his name and is valued around the €40m (approx. £34.5m) mark.

Disasi has also been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal. However, per Romano, the Gunners are prioritising Jurrien Timber of Ajax, while the Blues wish to address other areas of their squad before adding a new defender.

“I’m not aware of Chelsea or Arsenal rivalling Manchester United for Axel Disasi,” Romano wrote for Caught Offside.

“The Red Devils remain interested and they spoke to player’s camp; but there’s no bid yet as they focus on the [Mason] Mount deal.

“Arsenal have not made contact, as far as I’m aware, as their priority is Timber, while Chelsea also have different priorities rather than defence right now.”

As such, the disappointment on missing out on Kim could soon turn to joy with United seemingly having a free run at Disasi.

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