Reports in Spain indicate that Manchester United have edged ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva.
AS via Inside Spanish Football [via the Metro] report that both Premier League giants are keen on the Brazilian midfielder, but that the Red Devils appear to have the edge over their title rivals.
AS [via the Daily Star] recently noted that Arsene Wenger saw Silva as the kind of midfield enforcer his side need—a conviction potentially reinforced subsequently by the Gunners’ dire showing against West Ham United on the opening day of the Premier League.
However, the same report also acknowledged that Chelsea were keen on nabbing the youngster—who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Real Madrid.
Both London giants now face competition from United, despite the Red Devils being particularly well-stocked in the heart of the park.
Louis van Gaal has already signed Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin this summer, and can already call upon the likes of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Marouane Fellaini to take up roles in the heart of the park.
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Indeed, Silva’s best chance of first-team football may well be at Arsenal, who may require support for Francis Coquelin, with Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Flamini all the wrong side of 30.
According to the Star, Silva signed for Real in a £9.7 million deal when he left Cruzeiro in his homeland. The 22-year-old possesses both the technical prowess and the intelligence to thrive in the Arsenal midfield.