Arsenal launch fresh Earps record 'bid' amid "ambitious" Man Utd demands
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a second bid for Manchester United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper was a standout performer for the Lionesses at this summer's Women's World Cup, saving a penalty in the final against Spain and winning the tournament's Golden Glove prize. Last week, it was reported United had rejected a world-record bid from an unnamed club - now believed to be Arsenal - for Earps, who has a year left on her current contract.
United are understood to be keen to agree an extension and view Earps as an integral member of their squad as they aim to cement their place among Europe's elite. However, according to Dazn, the Gunners are now plotting a fresh bid for England's number one as Jonas Eidevall looks to bolster his squad ahead of the upcoming season.
The current record transfer for a goalkeeper is set at £100,000 for San Diego Wave's Kailen Sheridan in the NWSL and it’s understood that Arsenal’s bid for Earps is significantly higher. England's Alessia Russo has already made the switch to Meadow Park from United this summer following the expiration of her contract, after the Gunners saw two world-record bids for the striker rebuffed in January.
Marc Skinner's side have also seen right-back Ona Batlle swap Leigh Sports Village for Barcelona, having failed to tie the 24-year-old down to a new deal. Speaking about the possibility of Earps leaving United this summer, former England midfielder Fara Williams told Sky Sports: "She’s really valuable [to United]. I think it depends on how ambitious Man United want to be this season and what players they bring in.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
"I played with Mary a long time ago now at Reading and she’s an ambitious human being and she wants to achieve the maximum she can in her career. She will see her success as something that’s come late to her. She’s had to be really patient with that success and she’s been patient but she will want to win trophies.
"I'm sure depending on who the team is - obviously it’s unknown at this time - she’ll weigh up her options as to whether it’s a team that’s going to improve her and improve her chances of silverware."
Earps was set to be out of contract this summer, but the Red Devils triggered a year’s extension. Even before that, Earps admitted that her future at the club was far from secure. “I think it's a little uncertain and I think it's something that's evolving,” she told Forbes.
“The conversations [with United] are happening so we'll have to see how it pans out. I want to play Champions League football and that's kind of how I feel so we'll just have to see how everything unfolds, I think. Time will tell with that one.”
The Women's Super League [WSL] transfer window is open until September 14, with the new season set to get underway on October 1.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
