Manchester United will let 15 players depart as Erik ten Hag wields a hefty axe to his squad, Arsenal are set to snatch a top target from Liverpool’s grasp, while Saturday’s Transfer Gossip claims Aston Villa are battling Newcastle to sign a £45m-rated England star.
TEN HAG TO LET 15 UNWANTED STARS LEAVE MAN UTD
Erik ten Hag is ready to take a ruthless axe to his Manchester United squad with 15 players set to be shown the door this summer, according to a report.
The Dutchman has overseen some major improvements during his first season in charge. And with the Carabao Cup in the bag, United will consider it a very successful season if they can secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.
However, their campaign will now be tinged with regret too. And in the wake of their 5-2 Europa League exit to Sevilla, there was a reminder of why major improvements still need to be made.
United now face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday. And they will need a major improvement on their performance in Andalusia if they are to beat Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Regardless of how their season pans out, Ten Hag is now starting to plan for phase two of his rebuilding programme. And while he wants at least three new top quality players signed, the biggest movement could be in players leaving the club.
Per the Daily Telegraph, an angry Ten Hag is ready to let 15 players leave in the most brutal squad culling ever seen at Old Trafford.
And leading the high-profile list of exits at Manchester United will be club captain Harry Maguire.
Indeed, the England star’s performances in their two games with Sevilla have confirmed why Ten Hag can no longer rely on him.
Eight defenders to leave as part of mass Man Utd cull
His central defensive partner on Thursday, Victor Lindelof, will also be binned off. And fellow defenders Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones will also leave.
They won’t be the only defenders binned off either. And the Telegraph claims Alex Telles, Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also be sold.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, will also depart.
Midfield trio Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Fred are also likely to leave in perhaps the most surprising development.
And in attack, the United boss is also willing to let Anthony Martial and Anthony Elanga exit the club too.
Finally, time could also be up for David De Gea. The long-serving United keeper is in talks over a new deal, though an agreement is yet to be reached.
However, his blunder against Sevilla has only highlighted his shortcomings to Ten Hag and he will be moved on. As a result, a high-calibre replacement will come in in his place.
ARSENAL HOLD SURPRISE TALKS OVER MASON MOUNT SIGNING
Arsenal are set to rival Liverpool in the hunt to sign departing Chelsea star Mason Mount this summer.
The Blues star is set to be offloaded by Todd Boehly after failing to agree a new deal. And with his current arrangement set to expire in June 2024, the Chelsea co-owner is eager to cash in.
Mount has been with Chelsea since the age of nine and has amassed more than 200 appearances since his breakthrough. However, his form – like many of his teammates – has badly dropped off this season. And he has just three goals from 35 appearances to his name.
As such, Boehly is ready to sanction his exit amid reports 15 players could be shown the door.
The chase for Mount is seemingly being led by Liverpool, who want the England star as part of a major midfield rebuild.
Indeed, they seemingly lead the way for the 24-year-old’s signature, with Boehly’s apparent £70m price tag failing to discourage them.
However, it now seems Liverpool are in serious danger of missing out after Goal reported that Arsenal are now in talks to sign him.
Mikel Arteta wants to boost his squad this summer and ensure they are well placed to exceed in the Champions League. They missed the chance to offically book that spot on Friday night after failing to beat Southampton. However, it is only a matter of time now before their return to UEFA’s top table is confirmed.
The Gunners also want to sign Declan Rice from West Ham and, with the two players close mates, want to reunite them at Emirates Stadium.
Deals for the pair are likely set Arsenal back around a combined £150m.
JAMES WARD-PROWSE TO PICK BETWEEN TWO CLUBS THIS SUMMER
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse will choose between two suitors this summer when leaving St Mary’s.
Saints remain bottom of the pile after somehow blowing 3-1 lead at Arsenal on Friday night with 88 minutes played. And that leaves them three points adrift of safety, having played a game more than Everton in 17th.
Their relegation to the second tier will see a number of leading names depart. And club captain Ward-Prowse will be the biggest departure of all.
Indeed, the England star will cost in the region of £45m for those interested in signing him.
And now, according to the Daily Mail, the Southampton skipper has two suitors chasing him this summer.
Per their report, the 28-year-old will choose from either Newcastle or Aston Villa when leaving St Mary’s.
The two sides are progressing nicely in the Premier League and hope to offer the player European football next season. And if all goes to plan for Newcastle, then Champions League football could be on offer.
However, Aston Villa are also extremely keen on the free-kick specialist. They have been on his trail for a number of years with previous boss Dean Smith also keen.
Now it seems Unai Emery is also looking to add the 11-times capped England man to the Aston Villa ranks.
He has previously been linked with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. But the pair are set to swerve the Saints skipper, leaving Villa and Newcastle to slug it out.