Arsenal transfer targets latest? Man Utd plans impacted by Europa League loss? – Ask Ornstein

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Today, we ran the latest edition of our subscriber-exclusive Ask Ornstein Q&A.

Once a week for an hour, The Athletic’s subscribers can ask me for my views on anything from the football world.

I have pulled together some of my favourite questions and my answers to them below.

Kristian M. asked for an update on Arsenal’s transfer targets: “Is Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres higher on the list? Is there anything in the Rodrygo links? Will they still bring in a defender after the failed Dean Huijsen pursuit?”

David Ornstein: Thanks for the question, Kristian. It seems Arsenal are deciding between which of those two strikers to pursue as their preferred target.

They’re both under consideration but it’s hard to know who is higher because 1) we’re not privy to the conversations and 2) generally these situations often aren’t as straightforward as higher/lower; there are many factors that contribute to such decisions being made and then even more to reach execution stage.

There are naturally pros and cons, but I must say Gyokeres and Sesko are elite No 9s who would be outstanding signings, so this should bring some excitement to the Arsenal fanbase (if one of them is signed!).

Rodrygo is obviously really well liked at Arsenal, but that isn’t surprising considering how good he is, and it doesn’t mean they will recruit him. Again, loads of factors such as: What are the club-to-club, player and agent terms? Do Arsenal want to make a proper push? Is it affordable with all the other business they need/want to do? Would somebody have to leave and how likely is that? Does Rodrygo want to join Arsenal? Who else is in contention? Etcetera.

As for Huijsen, I feel that was a specific opportunity, and while of course it’s a position that may remain under consideration, there are probably bigger priorities in the immediate term.

Joseph B. asked: “Hi David, after Manchester United’s defeat last night, are you aware of the level of financial burden this puts on them this summer and in the future, and if so, how much trouble could they be in? Thanks.”

Ornstein: They were budgeting for no European football, Joseph, and therefore last night would have been extremely painful but not a complete shock.

The money was already there to do a couple of deals (Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap are the club’s original preference but let’s see how it all unfolds), and then there would need to be some sales.

Naturally, for the many negative financial implications, there are also some crumbs of comfort, like not having to pay the Champions League qualification bonuses that exist in most player contracts.

Manchester United have remained PSR-compliant until this point, but I think next year was always going to be a bigger challenge, and that’s partly why we’ve seen such drastic cost-cutting measures. It is also why significant player sales will be required, including potentially some homegrown talents who represent pure profit.

Cunha is a target for Manchester United (Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Arjun S. asked: “Hi David, since your article last week regarding Liverpool and Florian Wirtz, the news reported in Germany seems to have shifted from Bayern being absolutely confident and Liverpool having little chance to both clubs being in a ‘tug of war’. Do you have any further updates or insight into the current situation, and could you perhaps clarify on the reported meeting between Michael Edwards and John Henry for the transfer fee that Bayern potentially wouldn’t be able to afford?”

Ornstein: I don’t have much of an update at this point, apologies. Clearly, Liverpool are very interested, hence contacting his representatives to express that (like we reported).

As you will have seen, word from the Etihad Stadium is that Manchester City are no longer in contention, citing the overall cost of any deal. No such word has emerged from Anfield to date, and given the unique nature of the player, they’ll want to be in the mix if there is a chance to get him.

Many people you speak to across the industry think Bayern remain in the driving seat, others reckon he’ll go to Liverpool, and some say he’ll stay at Leverkusen. This indicates a lack of clarity at present and that all parties are awaiting his decision.

Kristian M. asked: “Do Manchester United plan to appoint a director of football and do you know if the club’s reported interest in Franco Mastantuono is genuine?”

Ornstein: I’m not aware of Manchester United looking to make any more such appointments for now — Jason Wilcox is essentially the sporting director and if people were of the view that the club had ‘too many cooks’ before Dan Ashworth departed, I doubt that adding further personnel in this specific area is on the agenda.

I think Manchester United are among the many clubs tracking Mastantuono, but don’t know of it being more advanced than that at present. Right now, they probably have more pressing matters!

Parva S. asked: “Hi David, are the reports regarding Paratici’s return to Spurs true?”

Ornstein: He has been helping Spurs as a consultant, in accordance with the terms of his ban. Going forward, I’m sure he will continue to be utilised however the club see fit, and regardless of titles, provided he doesn’t take a job elsewhere.

Arjun S. asked: “Hi David, is there any interest from top clubs in Adam Wharton, and is a departure possible for him this summer?”

Ornstein: Wharton, understandably, has many admirers, and it looks like he is capable of going to the very top. But his season was disrupted by injury and he is progressing extremely well at Palace.

You never know how the market will develop, but I think Palace would expect him to stay with them this summer, and I don’t know of any agitation on his part to move. What an incredible talent Blackburn developed, what an incredible signing Palace made and what a thrilling player and prospect he is for club and country.

Wharton has many admirers (Warren Little/Getty Images)

Burning B. asked: “Any updates on Milos Kerkez? There is news circulating that it’s a done deal between him and Liverpool.”

Ornstein: It’s not done.

Liverpool are his priority, and he is their top target, but they will have other options, too. The likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City also have him on their radars, but not as the top option.

It’s not advanced club-to-club yet, but clearly that can change at any point — if Liverpool (or anyone else) are ready to offer the sort of money Bournemouth are seeking. It is expected he moves, but that doesn’t mean it’s imminent.

Harley H. asked: “It appears Mikel Arteta’s face lights up with joy every time he speaks about Kai Havertz. How highly rated is he within Arsenal? Is there still a belief that he could end up one of the best players in the world?”

Ornstein: Arteta and everyone at Arsenal loves Havertz, as a player and character.

It is said he understands and implements what Arteta asks for extremely quickly and how the manager wants it done. His return ahead of schedule will be viewed internally as a major boost to the club, especially heading into an absolutely critical season.

Anonymous U. asked: “Hi David, is there any truth to reports on Thomas Partey resigning on a one-year deal with the option of a further year? Have a good day!”

Ornstein: Arsenal are in talks with Partey but an agreement has yet to be reached. There is also understood to be interest from abroad over a long-term deal.

With Arsenal wanting Partey to stay and Partey being happy at Arsenal and in London, clearly there is a good chance he extends — but there is no decision yet and the outcome is currently unclear.

Curtis D. asked: “Who are the realistic targets Newcastle are looking to sign if we qualify for the Champions League or Europa League?”

Ornstein: It’s pretty well documented they want a right-sided attacker and centre-back, Curtis, with a goalkeeper seemingly still on the agenda as well.

Hopefully, we’ll get some clarity on names in the coming days/weeks.

Andrew M asked: “What is Aston Villa’s recruitment plan this summer?”

Ornstein: It will depend on the outcome of Sunday, Andrew. It is one of their most important days in years, from a football and financial perspective.

That will have a major bearing on ins, outs and the identities of those who may arrive and go.

Villa have a crucial game on Sunday (Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)

Jacob T. asked: “Do Manchester City have a list of alternatives for Florian Wirtz now that they have ended their interest in him. In a similar vein, is Morgan Gibbs-White considered a Wirtz alternative or a separate midfield option?”

Ornstein: I’d imagine they’d crack on with the Tijjani Reijnders and Gibbs-White situations, Jacob. There will be other names in the mix, too.

It will be interesting to see whether they (and other clubs) show a stronger interest in Eberechi Eze given his incredible form and release clause — but I don’t have info on this at present.

Conor O. asked: “Is there anything in the Rayan Cherki to Manchester United stories? The reports have never gone away, and given the tight budget, his small fee is appealing if we can convince him! Thank you!”

Ornstein: Firstly, there is no release clause on Cherki. I don’t think these are allowed in France. Many have suggested he can leave for €22.5m (£18.9m). I’m told this is not the case and Lyon are looking for much more. It will take a proper negotiation.

Borussia Dortmund’s pursuit is well documented, and that has previously appealed to the player. Whether that’s still the case, let’s see. I’m not aware of anything concrete from Manchester United so far. They appear to have other priorities and, after last night, a bigger question will be: what business can they afford to do?

(Top photo: Getty Images)

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