Man United: Leon Goretzka ‘edge’ over Arsenal revealed in race to replace Casemiro

Manchester United may hold a crucial advantage over Arsenal in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka as a replacement for the outgoing Casemiro.

The German international is set to leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season, and he has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks.

Arsenal have already emerged as a likely candidate to land the 31-year-old, as Mikel Arteta goes in search of a deal to provide further steel to his midfield ranks.

Manchester United’s transfer plans are also set to include a revamp to the spine of their team, with Casemiro set to leave on a free and Bruno Fernandes also facing an uncertain future.

Man United’s midfield depth to entice Leon Goretzka

While Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Goretzka by English sources, United are also thought to be in the race to secure his signature in Germany.

FussballDaten suggested at the start of February that the Red Devils are one of several sides who are tracking him closely ahead of his departure from the Allianz Arena.

The Old Trafford outfit already know that midfield additions will be a priority due to the fact that they are set to lose Casemiro ahead of next term, and Goretzka could be the perfect replacement.

A title win would provide another string to Arsenal’s bow when it comes to trying to convince him to join, but United certainly have their level of squad depth on their side.

Goretzka would be competing alongside the esteemed duo of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, plus Martin Odegaard, if he moved to the Emirates Stadium, but if he made the switch to Old Trafford instead, there would be far less competition for him.

The former Schalke man would surely fancy his chances of pushing ahead of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in the pecking order, with places set to be up for grabs at the base of the midfield.

Throw in the fact that Michael Carrick’s men look increasingly likely to earn Champions League football for next season, and it is possible that they could become a more appealing option than the Gunners.

Man United have other contenders to replace Casemiro

Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that United made the right decision to let Casemiro leave upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

The Scottish businessman revealed that the Red Devils have got both Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson on their radar as potential replacements for the veteran Brazilian.

However, both of those emerging talents are likely to be at the centre of huge transfer races this summer, which could make Goretzka a more worthwhile pursuit for United at this stage.

The fact that no transfer fee would be needed to bring him in leaves the door open for the club hierarchy to put all their effort into building a truly appealing contract offer to put on the table for him.

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