Man United step up interest in Arsenal target after Atletico Madrid withdraw

May 15, 2026 DailyAFC Staff

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Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, setting up a potential summer transfer battle with Arsenal for the Brazilian’s signature.

According to Sky Sports, United now view Ederson as one of Europe’s top midfielders and are eager to bring him to Old Trafford when the transfer window opens. The Red Devils have stepped up their interest after Atletico Madrid reportedly shifted focus to alternative targets, leaving the Premier League rivals as leading contenders.

Ederson has established himself as a crucial player for Atalanta over recent seasons, with his energy, technical ability and versatility in midfield attracting attention from several top European clubs. The Brazilian’s consistent performances in Serie A and continental competition have made him one of the most sought-after players in his position.

Arsenal remain confident despite United interest

Despite United’s increased efforts, Arsenal are believed to remain confident about securing a deal for Ederson as part of their continued squad strengthening under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners view the addition of another high-quality midfielder as potentially crucial for sustaining success both domestically and in Europe.

The north London side already possess one of the strongest squads on the continent but remain determined to continue improving. Adding Ederson would provide further depth and quality to an already impressive midfield unit.

Summer transfer battle looms

United are also prioritising midfield reinforcements as they look to close the gap on their rivals next season. The club are expected to make several changes during the summer window, with Ederson identified as a key target to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

With Atletico Madrid’s withdrawal from the race, the competition for Ederson’s services has seemingly narrowed to the two Premier League giants. Both clubs are expected to pursue the transfer seriously, potentially making this one of the summer’s most closely followed transfer stories.

The Brazilian’s performances for Atalanta have caught the eye of multiple top clubs looking to reshape their squads ahead of next season. His combination of technical quality and physical attributes make him an attractive proposition for sides competing at the highest level.

With several weeks remaining until the transfer window officially opens, both Arsenal and United will likely continue their efforts to position themselves favourably for Ederson’s signature as competition for Europe’s top talents intensifies.