Arsenal will continue to track England goalkeeper Mary Earps beyond this transfer window if Manchester United refuse to sell her before next week’s deadline.
The Gunners have had an approach for Lionesses star Earps turned down this summer, with their offer believed to be worth more than £100,000.
That would constitute a record fee for a goalkeeper, but Manchester United are adamant that Earps is not for sale.
Asked about Earps on Friday, Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “Individuals we never comment on. We remain active in the transfer market. There might be business to be done, but no comments on specific individuals.”
The transfer window for the Women’s Super League (WSL) shuts on Thursday and United risk losing Earps for free next summer if they cannot get her to sign a new deal.
The 30-year-old has entered the final 12 months of her current contract and is no closer to signing an extension.
Arsenal are aware of United’s reluctance to part with Earps now and will continue to track her if a deal cannot be struck next week.
A similar scenario played out last season when Arsenal failed with world-record bids for England striker Alessia Russo in January, before eventually signing her for free this summer.
United are determined to keep Earps, though, and will work hard to get her to agree to fresh terms. The club are looking at goalkeeper targets just in case, with West Ham’s Mackenzie Arnold one of those being tracked.
The Australian excelled at this summer’s World Cup and was the star of the show as the Matildas beat France on penalties in the quarter-finals. United have also been linked with OL Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
