London duo get boost in chase for French starlet.
Arsenal and Chelsea may be back in with a chance of signing Athletic Bilbao’s highly-rated young defender Aymeric Laporte after Manchester United refused to meet his release clause, according to the Daily Express.
SEE ALSO:
Chelsea working on deals to sign £106m Serie A trio – Man United won’t be happy!
Cami Li Connor Wickham – Ex-wag in all her glory!
Manchester United transfer news
The 20-year-old is one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe at the moment, having caught the attention of a number of Europe’s elite club sides with his rock-solid displays in Spain.
United had been linked as the likeliest to win the race for the Frenchman’s signature, but seemingly pulled out of the deal as Louis van Gaal was not willing to go up to the £32m required to activate his buy-out clause.
This could alert Arsenal and Chelsea to revive their interest in the player, with the Gunners in particular need of new additions in defence this season.
United also need improvements at the back, however, and didn’t shy away from spending big on a whole host of new players in the summer.