Manchester United and Arsenal to battle for transfer of Ajax striker Brian Brobbey – Paper Round

Manchester United and Arsenal could be about to embark in a battle to sign Ajax striker Brian Brobbey, according to a report in the Mirror.

Brobbey, 21, who was handed his Ajax debut by Erik ten Hag in 2020, has scored eight goals and registered four assists in 15 appearances for the Dutch giants so far this season.

The outlet states: “Erik ten Hag is keeping tabs on Ajax striker Brian Brobbey as Manchester United begin to plan their summer transfer window.

“Ten Hag remains confident he will remain as United manager and is already starting to think about how he can bolster his attack in the summer.

“The Dutchman also wants to bring in a forward in January but the club’s financial position means that will only be a loan. That would rule out a move for Brobbey, 21, in this window unless United can suddenly raise funds.

“But they will continue to scout the Holland international as a potential striker to compete with Rasmus Hojlund. Anthony Martial is expected to leave this summer when his contract expires so United will need another front man.

“Arsenal are also expected to be in the market for a striker as they desperately need a goalscorer and have cast an eye over Brobbey, too.”

Arsenal are in the market for a striker and could move for Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee - although they might have to wait until the summer to make their move.

The Telegraph reports that the Serie A club want "in the region of £50 million", making any move this month "highly complicated".

Zirkzee has eight goals so far this season and has also contributed with four assists.

The article reads: "Arsenal are admirers of Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and are keeping a close eye on the striker as they consider potential targets who could strengthen Mikel Arteta’s attack.

"Any move for a new forward is thought to be highly complicated this month, however, and Telegraph Sport understands Bologna would want a fee in the region of £50 million.

"Arsenal are open to doing business in January but need to be careful with their finances after a summer outlay of more than £200 million. The feeling within the club is that their squad is currently well-balanced, when everyone is fit, and that any new arrivals would have to be able to greatly strengthen the team.

"Bologna have made it clear that they have no intention of selling Zirkzee this winter, with sporting director Marco Di Vaio saying last month that the Dutchman is a 'unique' player.

"Di Vaio also said Zirkzee has a release clause but that it is only valid for Bayern Munich, who signed the striker from Feyenoord when he was a teenager."

A report in The Sun suggests that Arsenal could make a move for Martin Zubimendi, who would be available for £50 million.

The Gunners have been linked with the midfielder for some time and reportedly had an approach turned down last summer.

However, the outlet states: "Mikel Arteta remains keen on the Spaniard and the north Londoners have reportedly not been deterred.

"Now Spanish outlet Sport claim Arsenal will move again for the Real Sociedad star this month.

"He has been with the club for his entire career, first joining them when he was 12 years old.

"However, he is not expected to remain a Sociedad player for much longer and has regularly been tipped for a move to a giant. Zubimendi's current deal expires in 2027, but with a lengthy list of suitors he is not expected to stay for much longer. Arsenal will face competition from Barcelona to complete any deal.

"Therefore, the club who land him may be determined by who activate the clause first.

"However, given Arsenal's need for attacking reinforcements they may opt to wait until the summer before recruiting a new midfielder."

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.