Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Transfer Gossip: Staggering cost put on Antony as Man Utd are told they can sign Mexican powerhouse; West Ham given incredible Raphinha hope

Edson Alvarez, Antony, Ajax celeb, during Eredivisie game

Manchester United are considering a move for Edson Alvarez after learning of the shocking price Ajax want for Antony, West Ham still have a chance of signing Raphinha, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims Chelsea fancy a £20m Juventus star.

EDSON ALVAREZ COMES INTO FOCUS FOR MAN UTD

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up whether to sign Edson Alvarez amid claims he is the one player Ajax are willing to part with.

New United boss Erik ten Hag is finding the going tough in terms of recruiting new players. Alongside CEO Richard Arnold, the club are yet to get their summer business underway.

And with Arnold making claims about the ‘things standing in their way’, it may be some time yet before good news comes United’s way.

Reports in Spain, however, have shed some light on their efforts to sign Frenkie de Jong. To that end, the Red Devils are seemingly willing to relent to Barcelona’s demands.

However, efforts to prise Antony away from Ajax are continuing to frustrate. The Brazilian is seemingly the one attacking star that Ten Hag wants to sign this summer.

Their hopes of landing him, though, do look more promising amid claims that Antony wants to follow Ten Hag to Manchester.

As it stands, United are willing to pay £40m to land the Brazilian. However, Ajax are standing firm and a report in the Daily Express claims they are only willing to sell if a huge bid of £60m comes their way. And the report states they actually value Antony at nearer the £80m mark.

With Ten Hag also looking to sign a new defender, it seems a move for Antony might be a bridge too far for United.

Ajax willing to sell Mexican

Manchester United, however, will have more joy if they pursue a deal for Edson Alvarez.

According to De Telegraaf, the defensive midfielder is the only player linked with United they are willing to sell this summer.

The tough-in-the-tackle Mexican has already been touted as a potential target for Ten Hag this summer. And it seems they are willing to sell the 24-year-old for a modest fee of just £25m.

Man United want Ajax winger Antony

Man United want Ajax winger Antony

Manchester United are still keen on a deal for Brazilian winger Antony this summer.

Capped 58 times already for Mexico, Alvarez comes with a vast amount of experience and know-how.

The added bonus for United is that Alvarez is equally comfortable at filling in at centre-half if required. And with a vast chunk of his budget likely to be taken by De Jong, a move for Alvarez makes a great deal of sense.

WEST HAM NOT OUT OF RAPHINHA RUNNING

West Ham still have a chance of signing Raphinha this summer if they match Leeds’ asking price for the Brazilian.

The winger appears to have played his last game for Leeds United with a summer sale looking increasingly likely.

Raphinha in action during KIRIN Challenge Cup 2022 match between Japan 0-1 Brazil at Japan National Stadium, Tokyo

He has long been a target for Barcelona, though their inability to match Leeds’ asking price – reportedly now set at £55m – continues to scupper their chances.

And while Raphinha prefers a move to the Nou Camp above all others, that delay has let in a plethora of Premier League suitors.

That race has been set alight by Arsenal, though their lowball bid was quickly rebuffed by Leeds.

And amid claims Tottenham are also readying an approach, West Ham are also being credited with an interest.

The Hammers saw a big bid for Raphinha rejected in January, so aren’t afraid to chance their arm.

Now, as per 90min, Raphinha is not ruling out a possible move to the London Stadium should they have a bid accepted.

David Moyes is keen to bolster his attacking options and knows Raphinha would add serious quality to his side.

And they will have to not only outbid their rivals to his signature, but also convince Raphinha that his future belongs in east London.

But with West Ham only able to offer UEFA Conference League football, this surely looks an unlikely outcome this summer.

CHELSEA PUT IN CALL FOR ADRIEN RABIOT

Chelsea are looking to beat Manchester United to the signing of Adrien Rabiot, claims a report.

Adrien Rabiot in action for France

The 27-year-old Frenchman looks likely to leave Juventus this summer with just a year left of his deal. And while they would like to keep him, the Bianconeri are only able to offer him reduced terms.

As such, a summer move looks on the cards, with United reportedly considering him as an option.

But now the Daily Mail claims it is Chelsea who look most likely to snare the midfielder.

They claim Thomas Tuchel has ‘put in a call’ to the former PSG midfielder over a potential summer switch.

The Blues have a slot in their midfield with Saul Niguez returning to Atletico Madrid. Furthermore, there remains ongoing doubts over the future of Jorginho.

And Rabiot could be the man to fill their boots at Stamford Bridge. The report claims Juventus are willing to sell the 29-times capped France star for just £20m – a fee easily within Chelsea‘s reach.