Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly ready to go head-to-head for the signing of Ajax forward Brian Brobbey.
Both the Red Devils and the Gunners are in the market for at least one new striker having sometimes come up short in that department during 2023-24.
In the case of United, it has been widely reported that they are closing in on the addition of Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are yet to make any notable progression in their efforts to secure an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who netted just nine Premier League goals between them last season.
However, that is expected to change in due course with Mikel Arteta eager to build on successive runner-up finishes in England's top flight.
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Brobbey remains on Premier League duo's radar
According to The Sun, each of the Premier League giants still have ambitions to try to tie up a deal for Brobbey.
There have been times in recent months where the 22-year-old has been outspoken on his future, acknowledging that Arsenal "is a very nice club" as well as namechecking United.
Despite Ajax's disappointing campaign, Brobbey ended the season with his reputation having been enhanced, contributing 18 goals and eight assists from 30 appearances in the Eredivisie.
As a result, the two-cap Netherlands international is undoubtedly one of the club's most prized assets, and only qualifying for next season's Europa Conference League may dictate that Ajax need to make a major sale.
Brobbey holds a contract at Ajax until 2027, keeping his club in a strong position when it comes to fending away bids if they so wish.
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Who are the favourites?
With United seemingly closing in on Zirkzee, the obvious answer seems to be Arsenal, who may view Brobbey as a cut-price option given that they were initially interested in Benjamin Sesko, a player that would have cost double Brobbey's alleged valuation.
In the past, Brobbey has mentioned Real Madrid and Barcelona as clubs that he dreams of representing, although neither team are expected to make a move in the short term.
The report adds that several Italian clubs are monitoring the situation, with AC Milan, Bologna and Napoli all theoretically options given the current state of play involving Zirkzee and likely sale of Victor Osimhen.
Darren Plant
