Tolisso decision offers Man Utd, Arsenal intriguing option, though Ten Hag targets £75m Prem raid first

The split between Bayern Munich and Corentin Tolisso is good news for Arsenal or Man Utd, though Erik ten Hag could be the driving force behind a £75m Southampton raid first, claims a report.

Tolisso is on the hunt for a new club for the first time since 2017. The France international, 27, has been with Bayern Munich for the last five years, though saw the latter stages of his time in Bavaria riddled with injury.

Indeed, Tolisso has not featured in more than 16 Bundesliga matches in a single season for Bayern since the 2017-18 campaign.

Yet despite his injury struggles, he may yet present a tantalising opportunity for one of England’s big hitters this summer.

That’s because Bayern Munich recently confirmed Tolisso and the club had agreed to part ways. His contract was due to expire on June 30, though both sides agreed to an early split given no extension was in the works.

The news was confirmed via their official website, making Tolisso available as a free agent immediately.

Tolisso has regularly been linked with a move to either Manchester United or Arsenal in recent times. His injury history will no doubt make them pause for thought, though the fact he’ll not cost a fee could make him worth a gamble.

The Sun reaffirm the two clubs’ interest, stating both sides are seeking to bolster their central midfield ranks.

Other Arsenal, Man Utd targets named

Fabian Ruiz, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves are also on Arsenal’s radar. Though all will cost significant fees and it’s not out of the question that Tolisso could be signed as well as one of those names, not instead of.

United, meanwhile, are pushing to reunite Ten Hag with Frenkie de Jong. However, the Dutchman continues to reaffirm his loyalty to Barcelona and United’s lack of Champions League football is a complication.

Tolisso would represent a cost-effective option for both sides, though the Sun state United could make a huge splash elsewhere.

Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse is reportedly a new name on United’s list of targets. That stems from Ten Hag’s apparent admiration for the set piece specialist.

In fact, the outlet claims Ten Hag rates Ward-Prowse so highly that United may be willing to sanction a whopping £75m bid.

That is the same sum that has been talked about for De Jong, meaning it’d be one or the other.

£75m is also Southampton’s record sale amount after selling Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool in 2018.

Ward-Prowse a better fit than De Jong, Tolisso?

Ward-Prowse, 27, is Southampton’s club captain and under contract until 2026. That explains why such a lofty valuation is cited by the Sun.

The midfielder is calm and composed on the ball and would provide United with a new threat from set pieces. Indeed, United’s well documented struggles to score from corners would likely crumble with Ward-Prowse over the ball.

His Premier League experience would ensure he would settle in immediately. Though £75m still feels high for a player who is only on the fringes of the England squad.

Those ahead of him include Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips – two players United have also been linked with.

Regardless, should United succeed in signing De Jong, a move for Ward-Prowse won’t be necessary anyway.