Arsenal are monitoring Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite but have a big concern that could prevent Mikel Arteta from chasing a transfer for the Everton ace.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed his breakthrough season in the Premier League this term whilst Everton fought to avoid relegation again. Sean Dyche started the season with Branthwaite as his third-choice centre-half. But the Carlisle native became a critical figure at Goodison Park.
Branthwaite ousted Michael Keane for a starting role from only the third game of the season in August. He has since started in all but one of the Toffees’ last 34 top-flight games. Dyche was without Branthwaite as Everton beat Burnley in December after he hit five yellow cards.
Arsenal are monitoring Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite
Referees have shown Branthwaite a total of eight yellow cards during his 33 Premier League appearances this term. Just Jordan Pickford – another Arsenal target – James Tarkowski and James Garner have featured in more top-flight fixtures than Branthwaite has for the Toffees.
His form further convinced Gareth Southgate to name Branthwaite in a senior England team for the first time in March. The one-time England U21 captain’s efforts have also put him on shortlists around the nation with 90min citing interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
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Arsenal are monitoring Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window as boss Arteta is considering strengthening his depth at centre-back. But the Gunners could have to compete with Manchester United, who have marked the Everton ace as a firm target for the summer.
Rival interest from Old Trafford is not the decisive factor which may stop Arteta from making a move, though. Everton’s valuation of Branthwaite may exceed £70m after he helped them avoid relegation, which may be prohibitive for Arsenal as a new centre-back is not a priority.
Ian Wright thinks Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has ‘everything’
Arsenal have also not yet made any concrete moves to further their interest in Branthwaite’s potential transfer from Everton. But Arteta raiding the club Arsene Wenger once signed him from would see him sign a player Ian Wright loves and backed for England before his call-up.
“I believe now he will be in the next England squad,” Wright said in March, via quotes by the News & Star, “He’s got everything. You watch how he plays, he’s left-sided, as well, he plays out well [and] he’s very brave… He doesn’t look out of place as an England player.”
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But while Southgate duly obliged and named Branthwaite in England’s squad for their March friendlies, the coach baffled Wright by then overlooking the defender for a single second. He favoured Harry Maguire, John Stones, Lewis Dunk and Joe Gomez ahead of the Everton star.
“How did Jarrad Branthwaite get zero minutes across the two friendlies?” Wright queried on X after the Belgium tie. “[It] doesn’t make sense. Perfect opportunity to have a look at him.”