Arsenal overtake Manchester United in race for defender prospect

Arsenal have overtaken Premier League rivals, Manchester United, in the race for an 18 year-old centre-back.

With the transfer window now open for the next nine days, before it shuts and re-opens on June 16 for the rest of the summer, clubs are keen to complete their transfer business in quick fashion.

The Gunners are acting under the presumption that Real Sociedad midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, will don red and white next summer, with just his medical to be completed before the move can be confirmed.

In addition to the Spaniard, Arsenal are targeting a striker, and although Benjamin Šeško looks the most likely, Viktor Gyökeres is not being ruled out.

Despite it being probable that Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard will remain in North London next campaign, Arsenal are also searching the market for another left-winger.

While bolstering the attacking department is the priority at The Emirates, the Gunners are also in the race for Parma defender, Giovanni Leoni, according to FootballTransfers.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are viewed as one of the best defensive partnerships in Europe, but with Jakub Kiwior linked to a move away, another defender may arrive this summer.

Arsenal have had injury issues all over the pitch, but with Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all undergoing surgery in the last year, fitness remains a concern across the backline.

In addition to those that have went under the knife, Riccardo Calafiori, and Kieran Tierney have also both been sidelined due to respective injuries in the last campaign.

With this, the Gunners have been in the defensive market for some time now, and they were in the race to secure Dean Huijsen’s signature before his move to Real Madrid.

18 year-old, Leoni, has played 17 games in his debut campaign for Parma, after his €4.8million move from Sampdoria last summer.

The Italy youth international is viewed as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects, and his performances have caught the eye of Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester United.

However, the Gunners look to be leading the race for the 6 foot 4 defender, and their pursuit has been intensified after talks involving fellow countryman, Andrea Berta.