3 tackles/game: Man Utd must sign £35m French star ahead of Arsenal, he's Kante 2.0

Manchester United could pursue a defensive midfielder when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Red Devils were linked with several names during the summer, but they were unable to find a suitable target within their budget.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba was the priority target, but the Cameroonian ace was valued in the region of £115 million.

United are unlikely to make such a huge outlay in the next transfer window, and the onus could be on pursuing a cost-effective signing.

In our view, the Red Devils should target a deal for Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, who is already on the radar of Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners have already received positive reports on the player and have been in contact with intermediaries regarding a future move.

United must seek to prise away the talented Frenchman ahead of the Gunners this winter.

Agoume would be a perfect signing without burning the budget

The 23-year-old had his breakout campaign with Sevilla last term. He made 37 appearances for the La Liga outfit across all competitions.

Agoume caught the eye with his defensive contributions from the holding midfield role, and he has continued his fine form this season.

The former Inter Milan youngster has made 2.8 tackles and 4.6 recoveries per La Liga appearance. He has also won five aerial duels per outing and has exhibited a phenomenal work rate.

His ability to cover ground quickly to recover possession has seen him likened to N’Golo Kante.

The midfielder has a release clause of just £35 million in his contract. It appears a no-brainer decision for the Red Devils to sign him, and they must secure his services ahead of the Gunners.

Arsenal are loaded with defensive midfielders in their prime, such as Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, as well as Christian Norgaard, who arrived from Brentford earlier this summer.

United could easily convince Agoume to make the switch to Old Trafford if Champions League football does not prove a roadblock. The Frenchman would be a regular starter ahead of Casemiro and an underperforming Manuel Ugarte in the heart of United’s midfield.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .