Arsenal are in pole position to land Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal as Premier League rivals Manchester United have withdrawn their interest, according to Independent Sport.
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The Juventus star has been linked with a move to England in recent weeks, however, a summer transfer to Old Trafford appears to be off the table following his car accident last week.
Vidal was taken to hospital following a collision on the motorway back in his home country of Chile. Thankfully he escaped serious injuries but it was revealed that he was driving under the influence of alcohol [via Guardian Sport].
The incident is said to have disappointed both United and La Liga giants Real Madrid, who have reportedly now turned their attentions elsewhere in order to strengthen their squads respectively.
If these reports are to be believed then it would leave the Gunners with a clear run at Vidal as Arsene Wenger looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the league title next season.
The midfielder emerged as a surprise target for the North London outfit earlier in the month and Metro Sport claimed the player’s agent met with the club during Arsenal’s FA Cup final victory against Aston Villa last month.
Juve are said to value the 28-year-old at £28.5million, and there have been suggestions [via Independent Sport] that a deal with the Gunners could be completed once Chile’s involvement the Copa America tournament is over.
Vidal began the competition in excellent form as he found the back of the net three times in the opening two games and is currently the leading goal-scorer.
Should he make the move to the Emirates this summer, he would link-up with his international teammate Alexis Sanchez and give the Gunners extra depth in midfield as he would be competing with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin for a place in the engine room.