Man United 'facing competition' from Arsenal, Aston Villa for £67.5m 'Bruno Fernandes replacement'

Manchester United are reportedly facing competition from Arsenal and Aston Villa for Athletic Bilbao's Oihan Sancet, with all three Premier League clubs said to be keen to sign the attacker during this summer's transfer window.

Sancet has been in outstanding form the Lions during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 17 times and registering three assists in 34 appearances, including 15 goals and one assist in 27 outings in Spain's top flight.

Man United have recently been linked with the four-time Spain international, with the Red Devils allegedly viewing him as a potential replacement for captain Bruno Fernandes.

However, according to Fichajes, there is also serous interest from Arsenal and Villa, with the Premier League duo also battling to secure his signature in the upcoming market.

The release clause in Sancet's contract is believed to be €80m (£67.5m), and Athletic may point to that figure if clubs approach them this summer, as they have secured Champions League football for next season and a huge financial boost.

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Man United, Arsenal, Villa 'all keen on Athletic's Sancet'

Sancet came through the youth system at Athletic, and he has represented the Lions on 191 occasions in all competitions, scoring 42 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.

Athletic missed their leading goalscorer in the recent two-legged Europa League semi-final against Man United, with Sancet unavailable for selection through injury, but he has featured off the bench in the team's last two La Liga matches.

Sancet could potentially be in the latter stages of his career with the Lions, though, as it would be difficult for him to turn down a Premier League switch during the summer market.

Arsenal and Villa are both battling to secure Champions League football for next season through the Premier League, while Man United would claim top-flight European action for the 2025-26 campaign if they manage to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

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Which other Athletic stars could leave this summer?

Athletic have already made sure of a top-five position in the La Liga table, so the Basque outfit will be in the Champions League next season, but key players are expected to move on during the summer market.

This could be the transfer window when the in-demand Nico Williams leaves, with the majority of the major clubs in European football keen on the Spain international, while midfielder Mikel Jauregizar is said to be wanted by Real Madrid and Liverpool.

A departure for Sancet would be a huge blow considering how he has performed during the 2024-25 campaign, but the lure of the Premier League could leave Athletic powerless, especially if his release clause is met.

Written by
Matt Law