Manchester United could reportedly go head-to-head with Arsenal for the signature of RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan during this summer's transfer window.
The 23-year-old joined Leipzig from Strasbourg in July 2021, and he has represented his German club on 75 occasions in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering nine assists in the process.
This season, Simakan has again been a vital player for Leipzig, making 34 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and eight assists in the process.
A recent report claimed that Arsenal were keen on the former France Under-21s international, viewing him as the ideal player to boost their defensive options for next season.
However, according to Foot Mercato, Man United are also in the running for his signature, with the Red Devils expected to sign at least one defender in the upcoming market.
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The report claims that neither Arsenal nor Man United have made a move at this stage of proceedings, and the English duo would need to 'convince the management' at Leipzig to sanction a sale.
The German team are in a strong position when it comes to the Frenchman's future, as he has another four years left to run on his deal, having signed an extension at the end of last year.
Simakan has played as a right-back and a centre-back for Leipzig this term, but he was primarily used as a right-back in the Champions League, scoring once and providing three assists in the competition before the team's elimination to Manchester City in the round of 16.
The Frenchman also showed his versatility by playing as a right midfielder against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga at the end of April, but he was back at right-back against Freiburg last weekend.
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Man United are expected to allow Harry Maguire to leave the club during this summer's transfer window, with the club captain struggling for starts during the 2022-23 campaign.
Meanwhile, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are set to depart on free transfers next month, and Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams could all be sold.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been in strong form since the turn of the year and is now firmly battling Diogo Dalot for the starting role at right-back, but the former's future is still unclear, and Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag is said to be keen to add another right-back to his squad for next season.
There remains uncertainty when it comes to the size of Man United's summer transfer budget due to the ownership situation at the club, with the Glazers in talks over a sale.
However, it is being reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is emerging as the club's preferred bidder, with the British billionaire seemingly now in pole position to complete a takeover.
Matt Law
