Double Blow For Man Utd As Arsenal And Chelsea Threaten To Hijack Their Option No 2 After Collapse of Priority Transfer Target

Manchester United is facing a double setback in their pursuit of a new center-half this summer, according to reports emerging from the club.

With the departure of Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones as free agents, coupled with the potential departures of Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly, the need for defensive reinforcements is evident.

However, their primary target Kim Min-jae, seems to have slipped from their grasp as German giants Bayern Munich close in on his signature.

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It was widely believed that Kim was Manchester United’s main defensive target, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the club’s interest.

Italian media outlets even suggested that an agreement had been reached between the player and the club. However, the premature reports failed to account for Bayern Munich’s strong interest in the South Korean defender.

With a release clause of around €50m (approximately £43m) in his contract, Bayern intends to trigger it and secure Kim’s services, leaving Manchester United empty-handed.

Football Insider now reports that Manchester United is ready to concede defeat in their pursuit of Kim. The club is reportedly set to withdraw from the race for the 26-year-old defender, allowing Bayern Munich a clear path to secure his signature.

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As Manchester United regroups and assesses their options, Arsenal and Chelsea have emerged as potential threats to their back-up plan.

Should Bayern Munich successfully land Kim, Fabrizio Romano and CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs have mentioned Axel Disasi from Monaco and Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice as alternative targets for Manchester United.

Among the two, Disasi appears to be the more experienced option. The 25-year-old French defender has already earned four senior caps for France since his debut in 2022.

While Manchester United is reportedly ready to engage in talks with Monaco for Disasi, French outlet RMC Sport has raised concerns.

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It has been reported that Arsenal and Chelsea, both in need of defensive reinforcements are interested in the Frenchman.

However, Manchester United is currently considered to be in the lead for Disasi’s signature. The defender is expected to command a fee of around €40m (approximately £34.3m).

Manchester United’s chances of securing Disasi could be boosted if Arsenal manages to secure an improved bid for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber.

The Gunners’ initial offer of £30m was rebuffed, but an improved bid could see Ajax accept an offer in the region of £50m for the Netherlands international.

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If Arsenal manages to secure Timber, it would remove them from the equation for Disasi, leaving Chelsea as the main rival for Manchester United.

While the pursuit of a new centre-half has hit hurdles for Manchester United, the club is undoubtedly working behind the scenes to identify alternative options and ensure their defensive needs are addressed before the transfer window closes.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Manchester United as they navigate the competitive landscape and strive to bolster their backline ahead of the upcoming season.