David Ornstein confirms Man Utd are interested in signing £44m Brazilian star

Manchester United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson during the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

The Red Devils are poised to reinforce their midfield department at the end of the season. Casemiro has already announced that he will depart when his contract expires on June 30.

Manuel Ugarte has been a fringe player for the club this campaign. The Uruguayan ace could also be shown the exit door when the transfer window reopens in a couple of months.

In a Q&A session on The Athletic, Ornstein has now revealed that Ederson is expected to leave Atalanta this summer, with no plans to extend his contract, which expires in June next year.

His agent is working hard towards a summer transfer, and there is interest from the Red Devils, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid in the former Salernitana midfielder.

Atalanta hope to receive £44 million for his services, but suitors believe he could be signed for £35m.

Man Utd could have an edge in Ederson pursuit

Casemiro has been in fantastic form for the Red Devils since announcing his departure. The Brazilian has scored several headed goals, helping the club secure valuable points.

Despite this, there are no plans to U-turn on the contract decision. The former Real Madrid man will walk away on a free transfer when his contract concludes at the end of the season.

Ederson may not be United’s first-choice midfielder for the summer, but he would be a fabulous signing, given his ability to operate as a holding or central midfielder with relative ease.

The Brazilian has completed 89 percent of his passes in Serie A this campaign. He has also won five duels and two tackles on average, while making more than four recoveries per outing.

Ederson has dazzled with his tireless work rate, high pressing and ball control in the heart of the midfield. At £35-44m, he would represent a bargain signing for the Red Devils this summer.

Atletico have hit a roadblock over personal terms with the midfielder, and as things stand, the La Liga outfit are at an ‘impasse‘ and are not pursuing a move for the versatile ace.

Arsenal are United’s main competitors, but the Red Devils could have an edge as the Gunners may not assure him a starting berth ahead of Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice next term.

Ederson may have to accept a rotational role in the Premier League with the Gunners. At United, he could get a fair opportunity to stake a claim for a starting berth with Casemiro on his way out.

Playing time in the prime of his career could prove decisive towards his next move.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .