Arsenal are set to sign Arturo Vidal as Juventus aim to raise money to buy Bayern Munich centre-back and rumoured Manchester United target Mehdi Benatia, reports the Daily Express.
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The report says the Gunners could get the Chile international for £21.2m this summer, though this may also hinge on Juve’s success in signing a possible replacement in midfield, with Spanish source Marca suggesting they are interested in bringing in Real Madrid playmaker Isco for that position.
Massimiliano Allegri is keen to sell one of his prized assets as they are attempting to bring Allianz Arena ace Benatia to Serie A. The defender is apparently available for £17.5m, the Express says, despite only joining Pep Guardiola’s side last summer, meaning the Bianconeri could even make a profit on the two deals.
However, the Red Devils may have something to say about that as they are also interested in the Morocco international. The 28-year-old could be another option if Louis van Gaal fails to bring Sergio Ramos to Old Trafford, as the Daily Telegraph believe he is trying to do. They may not even have that backup option though, thanks to Premier League rivals Arsenal inadvertently financing Juve’s deal.
Another side effect of this deal could be that Paul Pogba doesn’t leave Juventus this summer. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG are interested in the 22-year-old according Daily Mirror, but if Allegri lets Vidal go it would be surprising if he allowed another of his best midfielders leave as well this summer.