Manchester United have significantly intensified their efforts to secure AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, as competition for his signature heats up. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Red Devils are now considered serious contenders for the French international, particularly as AC Milan shifts its focus to other targets.AC Milan, initially a strong competitor in the race for Fofana, is reportedly exploring alternative options. The Rossoneri have begun negotiations with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone, following stalled talks with Monaco over Fofana. This development comes as a boost for Manchester United, who have been keenly tracking Fofana as they seek to bolster their midfield options.
United’s interest in Fofana reflects their ongoing search for a new midfielder to replace Casemiro, whose future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. The Brazilian defensive midfielder has just two years left on his contract and has been the subject of transfer speculation linking him to the Saudi Pro League. With United aiming to find a long-term successor, their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte initially seemed promising, but they are now considering several alternatives, including Fofana.
Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that Fofana is now one of six players under consideration by Manchester United, alongside Burnley’s Sander Berge and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. This expanded shortlist indicates United’s commitment to securing a high-quality midfielder to strengthen their squad.
Corriere dello Sport also reports that Milan’s interest in Fofana is waning, with the Italian club ‘fearful’ of United potentially hijacking the deal. This scenario mirrors United’s previous success in securing former Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who was initially set to join Milan before United made a decisive move to bring him to Old Trafford.
Fofana, who is in the final year of his contract with Monaco, has been described as a “game-changer” by football analyst Ben Mattinson. Last season, he made 35 appearances across all competitions for Monaco, scoring four goals and providing four assists, showcasing his significant impact in the midfield.
In addition to their pursuit of Fofana, Manchester United are also working on deals for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United are keen on acquiring these two defenders before the transfer window closes. However, the completion of these deals is contingent upon United offloading Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as Mazraoui is seen as a potential replacement for the soon-to-be out-of-contract Englishman. Bayern Munich has informed both De Ligt and Mazraoui that they are not part of Vincent Kompany’s plans for the upcoming season.
As Manchester United continue their transfer activities, their strategic maneuvers in the transfer market highlight their determination to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.Manchester United are making significant strides in their pursuit of AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, especially as AC Milan, previously a strong contender, appears to be shifting focus to other targets. According to **Corriere dello Sport**, Milan is now in talks with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone, which has opened the door wider for United to secure Fofana.
United’s interest in Fofana is part of their broader strategy to bolster their midfield, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford. As Casemiro enters the final two years of his contract amidst transfer rumors linking him to the Saudi Pro League, United are actively seeking a long-term replacement. While they initially targeted Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, they are now considering multiple alternatives, with Fofana being a key option. **Sky Sports** journalist Dharmesh Sheth mentioned that United have expanded their shortlist to include six players, among them Burnley’s Sander Berge and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, underlining their commitment to strengthening their midfield.
The situation is reminiscent of United’s successful acquisition of Joshua Zirkzee, who was initially headed to Milan before United intervened. With Milan reportedly concerned about United hijacking the Fofana deal, the Red Devils are seen as serious contenders for the French international, who made a substantial impact at Monaco last season.
Additionally, United are working on defensive reinforcements, targeting Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. **Fabrizio Romano** has confirmed United’s interest, but the deals’ success depends on the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is expected to leave with his contract nearing its end. With Bayern indicating that neither De Ligt nor Mazraoui are part of Vincent Kompany’s plans, United’s pursuit of these players is gaining momentum as the transfer window progresses.
Overall, Manchester United’s active involvement in the transfer market underscores their determination to enhance their squad depth and quality, particularly in midfield and defense, ahead of the new season.
