MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 08:48:56| >> :120:32779:32779:

Man United transfer news: Red Devils to rival Arsenal for £25.8m winger?

Man Utd 'stalking' Euro 2024 winger as Arsenal battle emerges
© Reuters
Manchester United reportedly join Arsenal in the race to sign Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov, who could succeed Mason Greenwood or Jadon Sancho at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to go head-to-head with Arsenal for the services of Girona and Ukraine winger Viktor Tsygankov.

The 26-year-old was a fundamental cog in Michel's system last season as Girona unexpectedly finished in the top three of the La Liga table, thereby earning qualification for the 2024-25 Champions League.

Tsygankov directly contributed to 15 goals in 30 La Liga appearances for Girona last season - eight of his own and seven assists - and was called up to Ukraine's Euro 2024 squad as a result of his stellar displays.

The continental championships did not go to plan for Tsygankov, though, as he played just 63 minutes in Ukraine's opening loss to Romania in what was his only appearance, as his nation crashed out in the group stage.

Despite his disappointing Euros campaign, Tsygankov could still be the subject of Premier League offers this summer, and it has been reported that Arsenal have taken a liking to the former Dynamo Kiev attacker.

Viktor Tsygankov in action for Ukraine in June 2023© Reuters

Man United, Aston Villa 'join race' for Tsygankov

However, Spanish outlet AS claims that Man United and Aston Villa are now 'stalking' Tsygankov and have formulated their transfer plans after making contact with the winger's representatives.

The report adds that neither side have approached Girona with an official bid yet, but he could be available for just €30m (£25.8m) thanks to a release clause in his contract with the Spanish upstarts, which expires in 2027.

Nevertheless, Girona are said to be calm about the situation, as Tsygankov has not told the powers-that-be that he wants to leave, and Michel has insisted that he must be kept unless an offer is submitted that is too good to turn away.

Playing in European competition is said to be a 'non-negotiable' for Tsygankov, who would have the chance to compete in the Champions League with all of Girona, Arsenal and Aston Villa while gunning for Europa League glory with Man United.

Both Erik ten Hag and Unai Emery are said to have made a personal effort to convince the Ukrainian to leave his current club, but Tsygankov has given Girona his word that he will not depart before pre-season begins.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on May 25, 2024 (IMAGO)© Imago

However, Girona received no response from the 26-year-old's entourage when they offered him a new contract back in January, but that will not prevent the club from trying to tie him down to a renewal in the coming weeks.

Tsygankov to replace Mason Greenwood at Man United?

Should Man United fend off their fellow Premier League sides to bring Tsygankov to the Theatre of Dreams, the 26-year-old could replace Mason Greenwood, who is on the chopping block following his successful Getafe loan.

The one-cap England international is believed to be at the centre of a two-team transfer tussle involving Marseille and Lazio, the former of whom are considered the favourites for his signature.

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho made an unexpected return to first-team training earlier this week, having apparently held clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag following their public fallout last year.

Sancho's re-integration has led to suggestions that he could reignite his Red Devils career, but a permanent or loan exit in the coming weeks is still seen as the most likely outcome.

ID:548123:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6065:
Written by
Ben Knapton

Click here for more stories about Viktor Tsygankov

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery pictured in May 2024
Read Next:
Emery's revenge: Aston Villa 'close' to £50m agreement for Arsenal target
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!