According to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 9), Manchester United are leading the race to secure the signing of Fiorentina’s midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, despite recent interest from Juventus.
The Red Devils are currently busy selling defender Harry Maguire and midfielder Fred. Following their exits, the club is expected to seek out replacements for these positions.
Recent reports suggest that United maintains a prominent position in the pursuit of Moroccan midfielder Amrabat, as Juventus are unable to afford him even after the departure of Denis Zakaria to Monaco for €20 million.
With Fred’s departure, the Old Trafford outfit is likely to intensify their interest in the African star. To secure the former Club Brugge player, they would need to meet Fiorentina’s demand of €30 million.
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Juventus continues to monitor the situation surrounding the midfielder. It is suggested that if Amrabat remains in Italy, Piemonte Calcio might consider proposing a loan deal closer to the end of the transfer window.
United are close to selling Fred for €15 million, which could create an opportunity for the club to begin formal discussions with Fiorentina regarding Amrabat.
The 26-year-old midfielder has already given his approval for the transfer, with wage terms already settled. The responsibility now rests on United to complete the transfer arrangement.
The experienced player’s potential acquisition would be highly valuable, given his impressive performances both at the club and international levels.
He showcased his talents notably during the World Cup, where he played a significant role in Morocco’s journey to the semi-finals. Furthermore, he participated in the finals of the Coppa Italia and the Conference League for Fiorentina.
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Recognized for his prowess as a defensive midfielder, the Serie A star also possesses the ability to excel in the number eight position, thanks to his exceptional accuracy in passing.
Comparatively, his statistics outshine those of Casemiro, who was dispossessed 13 times per Premier League match in the previous campaign. The Brazilian midfielder’s pass completion rate for United stood at 79 per cent.
Although Amrabat may not possess the same goal-scoring and chance-creation capabilities as Casemiro, his qualities position him as a robust contender against the 31-year-old.
The prospect of the two players potentially playing together is also worth considering.