Cesc Fabregas has hinted a long-term Manchester United transfer target could in fact be heading elsewhere this summer.
While uncertainty remains in regard to the managerial situation at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag won the FA Cup amid reports he was heading for the sack, the Red Devils are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group will oversee football operations for the first time during a transfer window and, naturally, many players have been linked with moves.
Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana is believed to be of long-standing interest to United, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest.
The French international has confirmed he plans to leave the Ligue 1 club this summer after entering the final year of his contract.
Standard Sport understands the Gunners are keen to sign a new midfielder, with Bruno Guimaraes, Amadou Onana and Martin Zubimendi of Newcastle, Everton and Real Sociedad respectively all scouted.
Former Arsenal star Fabregas played with Fofana at Monaco and hinted at AC Milan being the midfielder’s next club.
“I know him, I played with him,” he told BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast.
“Funnily enough I never heard about Man United, I heard that he was going to AC Milan because [manager, Paulo] Fonseca probably is going to go there from France and they know each other, so let’s see where he goes.
“But he’s a very dynamic and strong player, good on the ball, a modern type of player, aggressive, can jump, he’s box to box. I really like Fofana and I think he fits very well with the Premier League style.”
United have been handed a boost of late after being permitted to play in European competition alongside Nice, who are also owned by INEOS.
Winning the FA Cup means they will play in the Europa League despite finishing a record-low of eighth in the Premier League.
