Arsenal's '£21m transfer' paves way for Man Utd to sign Amadou Onana for Everton

Arsenal could be set to hand Manchester United a major transfer boost by snatching up Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino instead.

The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield ranks this summer to ensure that they have enough depth to bid for glory in all competitions, as well as facilitate Thomas Partey’s potential exit.

Several options have already been explored by Mikel Arteta’s side, with Sport reporting that Sociedad playmaker Merino is among their favoured options. A round of ‘secret talks’ are said to have already taken place with the Spain international and Arteta to discuss a potential £21million move, which will be music to the ears of United.

The Red Devils are shopping in the same market as Arsenal this summer as they look to inject fresh quality into their midfield ranks, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen among those expected to pave the way for new arrivals.

A handful of players have been linked with United and the Gunners as a result, especially Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

The Belgium international is among the stars who could leave Goodison Park this summer to raise funds to improve their financial situation – with the ex-Lille star also talking up his chances of a move before he headed to Germany for Euro 2024.

With Arsenal looking to sign a forward and also replace Aaron Ramsdale, signing both Merino and another midfielder in Onana would appear unlikely on the surface and thus United could be granted a ‘free run’ at one of their key targets.

The Red Devils have already opened talks with Everton over Jarrad Branthwaite and thus moving the conversation on to discussing the terms for a deal for Onana is not out of the question given that Erik ten Hag is expected to be well-backed this summer.