Manchester United can sign Arsenal academy star for £26m - who will INSTANTLY improve side: report

Manchester United are targeting an Arsenal youth product – who could become available for as little as £26 million.

The Red Devils are enduring a difficult campaign, finding themselves way off the pace in the Premier League and out of Europe altogether. Goals have been hard to come by, too, with Marcus Rashford out of the side lately and marquee summer signing Rasmus Hojlund failing to score in the Premier League thus far.

But some of that could be solved with a new signing, as Manchester United look to correct their current slump. 

The Times claims that Borussia Dortmund star Donyell Malen is available for just £26m, with United holding an interest in the Dutch attacker.

It is believed that Ten Hag would like to swap Jadon Sancho for Malen, with the out-of-favour winger frozen out of the setup at Old Trafford. With Dortmund supposedly holding an interest in their former star, however, a deal for Malen is apparently unrelated to Sancho's status.

Malen came through Arsenal's Hale End youth system before leaving the club without a senior appearance to his name, joining PSV before moving to the Bundesliga. 

Ten Hag has made a habit of signing either Dutch players or players who have experience of the Eredivisie during his time at United, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Sofyan Amrabat, Wout Wegorst and even Mason Mount meeting that criteria.

Malen is valued at €35m by Transfermarkt. 

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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann. Meanwhile, a former Barcelona defender could potentially be on his way to Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could also be set to join him, having agreed personal terms with Barcelona. Almost half a year after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, David de Gea could be close to sealing a move to a new club. 

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has defended his training methods as the injuries pile up – with Mason Mount the latest player set for a spell on the sidelines.