Surprise Manchester United player tipped to join Arsenal

Surprise, surprise — no one would have seen this coming if it happened as outgoing Manchester United defender is tipped to join rivals, Arsenal.

Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has been linked with a potential move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

The news comes after Manchester United’s recent announcement of a summer clear-out, which saw seven players released, including notable names like Anthony Martial and Varane, whose contracts have both expired.

The Red Devils remain in contract negotiations with Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans, but the departure of Varane has stirred significant interest. Varane bid farewell to the Old Trafford faithful after United’s victory over Newcastle last month and capped his United career with a triumphant performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Although clubs in Saudi Arabia have shown interest in the French defender, former Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna believes his former club should seize the opportunity to sign Varane. Sagna, who encountered his compatriot at the Champions League final, sees Varane as a valuable addition to Arsenal’s defensive lineup, providing crucial cover for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

“I actually think Raphael Varane would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal,” Sagna told Coin Poker.

“He would be perfect cover for either [William] Saliba or Gabriel and could step into the team when either of those players needed a rest or if they were to get injured. Varane would be a perfect fit for the vibe of the club because of his winning mentality and personality.

“I saw him a couple of days ago at the Champions League final; he still has that desire and competitiveness to play at the top level for a few more seasons. As an addition to the squad, I think he would be perfect.”

Sagna also expressed his opinion on another Manchester United star, Marcus Rashford, suggesting that Arsenal should consider making a move for the forward. Rashford, who experienced a disappointing season and was left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad, could be a transformative signing for Arsenal’s attack.

“I would love to see Marcus Rashford at Arsenal,” Sagna added.

“I think if you added Rashford to Arsenal’s attack, with the pace that he has, Arsenal would destroy the opposition. Adding Rashford to an extremely talented squad would be a frightening prospect for Arsenal’s rivals.

“It would be a brilliant capture, and I think there is room in the squad for a player of Rashford’s ability because Gabriel Jesus won’t be able to play every game, and Kai Havertz can also play in a number of roles. Rashford joining Arsenal would be a wonderful signing for the club and a real statement of ambition.”

The last high-profile player to make the switch from Manchester United to Arsenal was Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined as part of the swap deal with Alexis Sanchez. Additionally, academy graduate Danny Welbeck signed for Arsenal from United in 2014.