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Manchester United need defensive reinforcements given Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are set to leave upon the expiration of their deals.
They will lose two experienced professionals while Lisandro Martinez is also not expected to return before next year. Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw’s injury records do not inspire a lot of confidence.
A move for long-term target Jarrad Branthwaite seems unlikely given Everton’s valuation, while INEOS are unlikely to spend big given the urgent need for attacking additions.
Which is why Football Transfers have claimed the 20-time English league champions have their eyes on Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.
United vs Arsenal for Giovanni Leoni
He is only 18, and fits INEOS’ youth-first policy, and has shone in the Serie A in his debut season at this level, starting 14 times while helping keep three clean sheets and getting on the scoresheet once.
The highly-rated defender has also attracted interest from Juventus and Inter but United’s fierce rivals Arsenal seem to be leading the race.
“Arsenal have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign highly-rated Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni, FootballTransfers understands.
“The Gunners, who are in the market for a promising young defender in the mould of Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior, have intensified their pursuit of the 18-year-old Parma talent, with sporting director Andrea Berta leading talks.
Centre-back has earned rave reviews in his debut Serie A season
“We are told that Man Utd continue to monitor the situation, but Arsenal’s swift move could prove decisive in securing one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects.
“Due to his performances this season, Leoni has naturally also emerged on the radar of Serie A’s biggest clubs such as Juventus and Inter.”
Giovanni Leoni has earned rave reviews for his aerial ability, composure on the ball and positional intelligence. Parma had secured his signing last summer for €4.8 million from Sampdoria and he could be once again on the move.
No fee is mentioned but given Premier League interest, Parma are likely to seek a huge profit. It remains to be seen if INEOS go all out to trump the Gunners in the race for the “future of Italy’s defence“.
Feature image Francesco Scaccianoce via Getty Images
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