Manchester United's summer transfer window has centred on midfield targets. It is an area that manager Michael Carrick is eager to reinforce following Casemiro's exit from the club. It has been widely reported that United are looking to bring in at least two central midfielders this summer. Having already agreed a deal for Atalanta's Ederson before his late call-up to the Brazil squad, further signings will be required as the club gear up for their return to the Champions League.
Fresh £50m Target Emerges
United are reportedly setting their sights on Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as the club looks to strengthen their engine room. The Brazilian is said to be open to leaving Stamford Bridge in search of regular first-team football. The Guardian reports that United have turned their attention to Santos after missing out on Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, both of whom have since completed moves to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, respectively. The 22-year-old carries a price tag of around £50m, despite finding himself behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in Chelsea's squad. Chelsea are looking to raise funds to support new manager Xabi Alonso's transfer plans. Santos joined Chelsea in 2023 and made 27 league appearances last season, starting 13 matches.
Club Chief Provides Ayyoub Bouaddi Update
Lille president Olivier Letang has outlined the club's position regarding Ayyoub Bouaddi's future. The 18-year-old midfielder's recent displays for Morocco have reportedly attracted the attention of United, along with Premier League rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. "Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now," Letang told Eurosport about Bouaddi. "He's already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement." When pressed on a potential asking price, the Lille president declined to name a figure, but pointed to Anderson's £116m price tag and referenced Sandro Tonali's proposed £100m switch to Spurs. The Lille chief indicated that any interested party would need to stump up a sizeable fee to land the teenager. "You have to look at his level," Letang explained. "How much have players like Anderson or Tonali been sold for, who are much older, but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old."
United had previously shown interest in Anderson and Fernandes, both of whom have since moved to other clubs. The Reds are among several sides linked with Bouaddi, following his impressive performances at the World Cup. It has also been claimed that United have shifted their focus towards Santos in their search for midfield signings.
