Arsenal Is Set To Compete With Manchester United For The Signature Of Girona Left-Back Miguel Gutierrez.
Arsenal Is Set To Compete With Manchester United For The Signature Of Girona Left-Back Miguel Gutierrez.
Reports suggest that Arsenal are preparing to compete with Manchester United for the signing of Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old initially emerged from the ranks of Real Madrid and made only ten senior appearances for the club after progressing through their youth system. He then made the move to Girona in the summer of 2022.
Since joining Girona, Gutierrez has become a regular starter for the team and has played a significant role in their unexpected challenge against Real Madrid for the La Liga title this season.
Having featured in 34 La Liga matches during his debut season with Girona in 2022-23, Gutierrez has continued his impressive form by starting 26 top-flight games this term under Michel’s management. He has contributed with one goal and four assists.
Real Madrid reportedly retain 50% of Gutierrez’s rights and have a sell-on clause. Furthermore, recent reports suggest that they have the option to re-sign the defender for a fee of just €8 million (£6.8 million) this summer.
Both Real Madrid and Manchester United have been linked with an interest in Gutierrez, who is currently contracted to Girona until June 2027.
However, according to reports from Fichajes, Arsenal have now joined the race to secure the signature of the highly-rated left-back.
The report suggests that Manchester United view Gutierrez as their “top target” and are eager to bring him to Old Trafford in the upcoming summer transfer window. Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to bolster his left-back options due to injury concerns surrounding Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
On the other hand, Arsenal has also expressed significant interest in the young player. Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is reportedly keen to strengthen his defensive options on the left side.
Arteta has mainly utilized Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back this season, with the Ukrainian international starting 17 games in that position across all competitions.
In the absence of Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu have also filled in on the left side of the defense for Arsenal this term. Additionally, versatile defender Jurrien Timber, who has been recovering from an ACL injury for most of the season, is considered another option on the left.
Arsenal may hold an advantage over Manchester United in the pursuit of Gutierrez, as they are in a better position to qualify for next season’s Champions League. This factor could be influential in the left-back’s decision-making process regarding his next career move.
However, Arsenal’s primary focus this summer appears to be the acquisition of a new center-forward. Players like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney are reportedly high on their list of targets.
