Arsenal looking to beat Manchester United to defensive target in transfer swoop: report

Arsenal and Manchester United are both vying for the same defensive target, with the Gunners looking to steal a march on their rivals.

The old foes met this weekend in the United States for a pre-season friendly in which Manchester United came out on top. Erik ten Hag's side won 2-0 courtesy of goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho, before a penalty shootout ensued.

But though Arsenal have been much the busier of the two sides in the transfer market thus far, they haven't finished by any means – and are now looking to trump United to a signing.

According to The Sun, Arsenal are set to "nip in" and sign Axel Disasi from Monaco from under Ten Hag's nose. 

Last month, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that the French centre-back was the backup option for United in the event that South Korean defender Kim Min-jae joined Bayern Munich, tweeting that the player remains a "concrete name".

Arsenal actually have a whopping seven centre-backs to choose from at the moment, with William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior and Rob Holding all able to play in the middle of defence. It's expected that Holding will leave this summer, though, while Tomiyasu, Timber, White and Kiwior have all been favoured out at full-back by Arteta.

Against United, the Basque boss opted for Gabriel to play centrally in a back three building play, which exposed the Brazilian's one-footedness. It could be that Disasi is brought in specifically for this role.

The Gunners are also said to be in the market for a right-winger to cover for Bukayo Saka. 

Disasi is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt. 

More Arsenal and Manchester United stories

Arsenal transfer news and Manchester United transfer news are still doing the rounds with both sides looking to strengthen this summer.

The Gunners could be targeting two more Manchester City players, according to reports. Xavi Simons is on the radar and Ivan Fresneda could join, though Arsenal could sell £100m worth of players, too. Romeo Lavia is in the crosshairs – though Liverpool want him, too. Takehiro Tomiyasu is set for an "intriguing switch", while Moises Caicedo looks Chelsea-bound. 

Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani are wanted up front, while wonderkid Vitor Roque was linked before his move to Barcelona. Portuguese teen Joao Neves is on the radar, while his countryman Goncalo Ramos is in the crosshairs. United have also enquired about Theo Hernandez, while Jadon Sancho has been put up for sale.