Manchester United will not be swayed into overpaying this summer, chief executive Omar Berrada has insisted, even as Arsenal prepare to splash close to £170m on two priority targets. Speaking on the club’s Inside Carrington podcast, Berrada outlined a disciplined approach shaped by the costly mistakes of the past. “The template for what we did last summer will be replicated,” he said, referring to the swift signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens – all of whom contributed to United’s third-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification. “We want a mix of experience and youth. A mix of players who have demonstrated they can perform in the Premier League and players that are doing very well outside the Premier League,” Berrada added.
United have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, and remain in the market for at least one more central midfielder – with strong interest in West Ham’s £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes – as well as a back-up striker for Sesko and a left-sided player. Director of football Jason Wilcox, recruitment director Christopher Vivell and negotiations director Matt Hargreaves will lead the execution of the plan. But club sources have stressed they will walk away if prices become excessive.
“Man Utd refuse to overpay while Arsenal target £170m double deal for Rogers and Kroupi”
Across Manchester, Arsenal are taking a bolder route. Ray Parlour, the former Gunners midfielder, has given his seal of approval to the potential arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Eli Junior Kroupi for a combined £170m. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are prioritising a left winger and a second striker as they aim to defend their Premier League title. Kroupi, who scored the goal that secured the crown for Arsenal last month, would cost around £86m from Bournemouth. Aston Villa’s Rogers, valued at about £80m, is seen as a versatile option who could play on the left or in central midfield. “Kroupi’s a very good, talented player, there’s no doubt about that,” Parlour told Mirror Football at the launch of E.ON Next’s ‘Watch and Wash’ campaign. “Arteta can make players even better when they’re young, so that would be a good signing.” On Rogers, he said: “He can play off the left-hand side as well. I think we need someone off the left.”
While United stress long-term strategy, Arsenal could spend close to their record £250m outlay from last year. The contrasting philosophies set the stage for a summer of wheeling and dealing – but with both clubs determined to stick to their respective plans.