18 August 2023 , 18:31
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Fiorentina are yet to receive an official offer from Manchester United for midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to the Serie A club.
Erik ten Hag has spent more than £170million this summer, bringing in Mason Mount, keeper Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. But his work clearly isn't done, with the need for more signings exacerbated by his side's fortuitous 1-0 win over Wolves last Monday night.
However, amid the FFP restrictions currently plaguing the club, Ten Hag is now in a position where he must sell players before he can add to his squad. And that plan hit a snag this week when Harry Maguire's proposed £30m move to West Ham fell through.
It's a development that has undoubtedly hindered United's pursuit of Amrabat, who shone during Morocco's run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar. The 26-year-old has also been the subject of interest from Liverpool, following their failure to land primary targets Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
But Fiorentina director Daniele Prade has now cast doubt on the notion of his key man going anywhere. And that's despite admitting that Amrabat himself wants to leave Italy for an elite team.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
"The situation is clear," Prade said via the club's official YouTube channel. "He wants to join a top club and we want to satisfy him, but if we receive no offers, he will stay with us. We don't have a player like him in the team."
Unless United can get players out the door ahead of the 11pm deadline on September 1, it is unlikely that they will get their man this summer. And Amrabat isn't the only signing that could slip through their fingers.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Amrabat end up a United player? Comment below.
Harry Maguire's move to West Ham collapsed this week (PA)The club have also reportedly agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard. But that potential move is also in limbo, with Arsenal now entering the race for his signature.
According to L'Équipe, Mikel Arteta is keen to hijack any move to Old Trafford. The Spaniard has had to rethink his transfer plans following the serious knee injury to ex-Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who could now be sidelined for the entire 2023/34 campaign.
Ten Hag's transfer work will be out on hold on Saturday as his side travel to play Spurs. Lisandro Martinez has travelled with the squad despite being hauled at half-time against Wolves after picking up a slight injury.