MX23RW : Thursday, March 28 22:19:41| >> :120:7864:7864:

Arsenal 'revive interest in Manchester United target Ruben Dias'

Arsenal 'revive interest in Ruben Dias'
© Reuters
Arsenal are reportedly ready to rival Manchester United for Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias after identifying the 22-year-old as a replacement for Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias as they eye possible replacements for wantaway captain Laurent Koscielny.

Unai Emery's summer transfer plans were thrown into disarray by Koscielny's refusal to travel with the club on their pre-season tour of the United States earlier this week, with the Frenchman eager to force a move back to Ligue 1.

Arsenal have subsequently been forced to target defensive reinforcements ahead of signing a new winger, and the Daily Mail reports that Dias has been identified as a potential replacement.

The Gunners were linked with the 22-year-old at the start of the window and are understood to have compiled a scouting report on him, but they were put off by his £54m release clause.

Emery is reported to only have a £45m budget at his disposal before player sales and any deal would therefore require them to negotiate an arrangement where they pay a lower initial fee with future add-ons included.

Manchester United have also been heavily linked with a move for Dias and recent reports claim that they have made a breakthrough in negotiations with Benfica.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to open disciplinary proceedings against Koscielny, including stripping the 33-year-old of the club captaincy.

ID:364817: cacheID:364817:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2700:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Laurent Koscielny during an Arsenal training session on November 7, 2018
Read Next:
Report: Bordeaux confident of Koscielny deal
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


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!