Arsenal Planning Shock Manchester United Raid, Midfielder Might Make The Move In Summer
Feb 5, 2017 at 6:05 PM
Arsenal are ready to pounce for Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick if he is not offered a new deal by the Reds.
Carrick is due to fall out of contract at the end of the season and will be available on a free transfer if he cannot agree fresh terms at Old Trafford.
United boss Jose Mourinho has suggested he could be willing to let the 35-year-old move on as time is not on his side, but that will not deter Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
“Look, let’s be honest, I see many positive things in Carrick but I cannot go to his identity cards and delete five years,” Mourinho said. “He is not 35, he is not 30.”
Wenger is reported to be a huge fan of Carrick and believes the former West Ham and Tottenham star can solve his issues in the heart of the Gunners midfield.
Arsenal have problems in defensive midfield as Granit Xhaka has struggled to settle to the Premier League and Santi Cazorla’s contract is expiring.
Francis Coquelin and Mo Elneny can play in that role but Wenger would also welcome the experience of Carrick.
Carrick will not be short of offers if he does decide to leave United, and he would no doubt be tempted by the prospect of lining up for Arsenal next season.
Even Mourinho recently acknowledged that Carrick “gave balance” to the midfield and, for the most part, so it has proved. United have won 14 of the 19 matches that he has started this season, compared to only eight of the 18 for which he has not been included.
It has become customary to talk vaguely of the calm and control Carrick brings; to hear of how he makes those around him better.
But how does he do that? Well, getting players like Pogba onto the ball more often and in better areas of the pitch is a key factor.