Arsenal report: Harry Maguire set for shock move, with Mikel Arteta interested
Arsenal have shown interest in bringing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to the Emirates Stadium this summer, in what would be the shock of the summer
Arsenal are set to move for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, in a move that would shock the Premier League.
The Red Devils captain has drawn staunch criticism this season for his performances, with many questioning his credentials to skipper the club. There have been plenty of rumours of replacements being signed to replace the Sheffield-born defender, too.
With Maguire closer to an exit than ever before, he's managed to find an admirer in Mikel Arteta. The centre-back leaving would still be a massive shock, given that he's the club captain – and to go to Arsenal would be even more surprising.
According to Praizsports, Arteta sees the England international as a perfect addition to his backline, which has been impressive in the club's push for the top four. Maguire would slot in next to Ben White, replacing Gabriel.
While the links may surprise many, Maguire would likely fit in nicely, complimenting White as a defender. He is more physical than his international colleague, a leader in a backline and in a compact shape, he can thrive: his poor form this season has come in more chaotic structures.
The 29-year-old would also add much-needed experience and leadership to a young team – though the north Londoners would likely have to sell one of their defenders, should they bring in another one.
William Saliba is now a France international but yet to play for Arsenal after successive loans, while Gabriel and White have been solid this season. Rob Holding has made only a few starts this season but is valued by Arteta as a leader on and off the field. The Gunners also have Spaniard Pablo Mari on loan at Udinese.
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Maguire is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt.
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Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.