Man Utd's Sofyan Amrabat transfer hopes could rely on Declan Rice domino effect

13 July 2023 , 15:49

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Man Utd's Sofyan Amrabat transfer hopes could rely on Declan Rice domino effect

Arsenal's move for Declan Rice could set off a chain of events which allows Manchester United to seal a deal for Sofyan Amrabat.

Morocco star Amrabat is among the names linked with United as they prepare for Champions League football under Erik ten Hag. The midfielder, who impressed as a youngster with Ten Hag's Utrecht side, is entering the final year of his contract at Fiorentina.

United's concern is a financial one, with a £60m move for Mason Mount eating into their summer transfer budget. Rice's imminent move to Arsenal, however, could pave the way for the Red Devils to raise funds with a sale of their own.

According to The Independent, West Ham remain keen on Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay. The issue concerns the Rice move, with the Hammers said to be waiting for that deal to get over the line before making a push for the Scotland star.

All signs point towards Rice's Arsenal move being confirmed imminently. Arsenal will pay £100m for the Hammers skipper, with the fee potentially rising to a British record £105m including add-ons.

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West Ham have been tipped to add two midfielders to their ranks as they look to replace the England international, with McTominay among the options. Juventus ' Denis Zakaria and Fulham star Joao Palhinha are among the other names linked with a move to the London Stadium, but a move for McTominay could help United turn focus back to their own incomings.

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Sofyan Amrabat continues t interest Man Utd (Getty Images)

The same Independent report indicates that United's higher-ups feel two players need to leave before United can bring in their targets. Central midfield is just one of three positions where investment is needed, with a new goalkeeper and striker also high on Ten Hag's list.

Those positions could be filled by Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, both of whom have been eyed up by the Manchester club. Others who could end up leaving Old Trafford include club captain Harry Maguire, who has dropped down the pecking order, but the England centre-back is not thought to currently be close to an exit.

Amrabat, who starred in Morocco's run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, has been with Fiorentina since 2020. He was also part of the Viola side which reached the final of last season's Europa Conference League, where they fell short against Rice and his West Ham colleagues.

With United's pre-season programme already underway, former Chelsea star Mount remains their only new addition. They have seen several players leave the club, though, including long-serving pair David de Gea and Phil Jones, while talented youngster Zidane Iqbal has moved to Ten Hag's and Amrabat's former club Utrecht in a cut-price deal.

Tom Victor