Arsenal 'reject' chance to sign Man Utd flop with Sir Jim Ratcliffe back at square one

Arsenal have reportedly delivered a blow to Sir Jim Ratcliffe by refusing to sign Jadon Sancho, who is widely expected to leave Manchester United this summer. The former England winger is at a crossroads ahead of next season, with his United future in the balance as long as Erik ten Hag remains in charge.

Sancho landed himself in hot water by accusing his manager of lying over the reasons for his absence from United’s squad against Arsenal last season. Ten Hag explained that Sancho was fully fit to play but was omitted due to his displays in training, a claim that was refuted by the player himself.

He then refused to apologise despite being urged to do so before he was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund in January. The stand-off between Sancho and Ten Hag means the winger has no future at United, who are desperate to cash in on his signature.

It seems the Red Devils are struggling to find a buyer, with the financial implications putting Dortmund off the idea of chasing a permanent move. Sancho was recently offered to Arsenal but the Gunners decided not to pursue a deal because of his salary demands, according to the Evening Standard.

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing a new winger, with Mikel Arteta eager to add more strength in depth in the wide positions. Sancho, however, earns in the region of £250,000 per week and the north Londoners are unwilling to spend that kind of money on him.

It remains to be seen if any club will come forward to offer Sancho a new home over the coming weeks. He can strengthen any team in Europe when firing on all cylinders, but his patchy form in addition to his wage demands could make things difficult when it comes to securing his future away from Old Trafford.

United legend Rio Ferdinand has already insisted there will be no way back for Sancho unless Ten Hag is sacked, which will not happen any time soon with the Dutchman said to be in talks over a new and improved contract.

Speaking on TNT Sports after Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain to reach the Champions League final, Ferdinand said: “I think the only way he goes back to Manchester United is if Erik ten Hag is not there. I think from a disciplinary standpoint they can’t really undermine the manager.

“Without an apology, the way that the manager’s asked for it, unless they change it, or add a little bit of nuance to it, I don’t think they will undermine the manager in that way. I think the manager has to be gone and out of the building for Jadon Sancho to come back to Manchester United.”