Manchester United are chasing centre back signings this summer but one target appears to be heading to Chelsea rather than Old Trafford.
It wouldn’t be a summer transfer window without rumours about Manchester United signing another centre back.
United have spent considerably on that area in recent years but have seen a number of additions flatter to deceive.
Eric Bailly in 2016, Victor Lindelof in 2017, Harry Maguire in 2019, Raphael Varane in 2021, Lisandro Martinez in 2022, Jonny Evans in 2023… United have been signing centre backs in the hope of finding the right addition.
The summer transfer window is now upon us once again and United are looking for more centra back signings.
Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite appears to be the top target with a bid already rejected, falling £25million short of the asking price.
Manchester United set to miss out on Aaron Anselmino
Branthwaite would be an addition with an immediate impact in mind having seen him shine in the Premier League last season.
United may also look for signings with the future in mind though and one young prospect has found himself on the Old Trafford radar.
Boca Juniors centre back Aaron Anselmino only has a handful of first-team appearances to his name, but he has attracted major interest.
Reports in March suggested that United had the idea of signing Anselmino and sending him straight on loan to Nice, another Ineos club.
United haven’t firmed up that interest though and reports last weekend suggested that Chelsea were moving in with a £14million offer.
The Athletic now claim that Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Anselmino – and their plan is very similar to the one Ineos have in mind.
It’s suggested that Chelsea will be paying £17million to sign Anselmino with a six-year contract now on offer at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea intend to loan Anselmino straight out to their partner club in France, Strasbourg – meaning he will be in line to play against Nice next season.
There may still be time for United to move in with an offer to hijack the deal, but it now looks like Chelsea have won the race.
United should turn to Barcelona talent after missing out on Anselmino
Missing out on Anselmino may sting for United and Ineos will surely be tempted to look elsewhere for another centre back.
If United want a defender for the future, Barcelona’s Mikayil Faye may be the man.
Reports in March suggested that United were keen to sign Faye with Ineos failing to bring him to Nice back in January.
The Senegalese talent has failed to make a first-team appearance for Barca since joining the club last summer and may be tempted to move on this summer.
Capable of playing at left back or centre back, Faye could offer valuable versatility for United moving forward and a chance to play regularly in France with Nice before starting his United career.
Faye would likely cost a similar fee to Anselmino and it would be little surprise to see United focus more on his signature with Argentinian Anslemino seemingly heading to London instead.