Man Utd eye top Arsenal transfer target as Amad Diallo rules out departure

18 January 2024 , 03:00

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Man Utd eye top Arsenal transfer target as Amad Diallo rules out departure

Manchester United's January has centred around the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The new owner is more likely to begin showing his influence over recruitment come the summer as they looks to get a lay of the land at Old Trafford. He's already come up with a shortlist, but those targets are set to be pursued once the season ends.

Erik ten Hag would ideally like some new recruits to help save what has been an underwhelming season thus far. Funds are at a premium however and the United boss has largely been focussed on trimming his squad with the likes of Jadon Sancho leaving on loan.

Here's the latest from Manchester.

Red Devils enter Zirkzee race

United have entered the race for sign Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee, who has been heavily linked with Arsenal throughout January.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

The Serie A side looking to receive £50m if they are to let him go and Sky Germany claims those at Old Trafford are keeping tabs on Zirkzee, as they look to bolster their forward options. Bayern Munich sold the forward to Bologna and do retain a buy back clause.

The Germans though are in no rush to make a decision over whether to bring him back to the Allianz Arena with Bologna adamant the Dutchman will not leave the club.

Joshua Zirkzee's exploits have caught the interest of Europe's elite (Gabriele Maricchiolo/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Amad says no to Boro

Amad Diallo looks to have poured water on rumours of a loan move to Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Amad is of interest to clubs in the second tier and it had claimed that Middlesbrough, who are managed by former United midfielder Michael Carrick, had made an attempt to sign him on loan. The Ivorian though has no interest in joining Boro due to their rivalry with Sunderland, where he spent last season on loan.

Amad sent a direct message to a Sunderland fan page on social media claiming the only Championship team he would be willing to join this month is the Black Cats. "Hi mate it's AMAD," the leaked message read. "The rumours bind on a loan to Boro it's fake. If I had to come back on loan to the Championship, it would be Sunderland and not anywhere else."

Amad Diallo is keen to remain in Manchester (Getty Images)

Pellistri set to follow Fernandez on loan

Facundo Pellistri is set to join Granada on loan for the remainder of the season. The forward, who has made 14 appearances in all competitions this term, has been set for a temporary move away to aid his development. Pellistri has spent recent years on loan at Alaves.

He will follow full-back Alvaro Fernandez, who has joined Benfica for the rest of the season. The Portuguese giants are looking to win their domestic title and remain in Europe. Fernandez has been on loan in Spain earlier this season and prior to that has spent time at Preston.

Samuel Meade