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Transfer Gossip: Man Utd eye two more Ajax raids with ‘super-talent’ on brink of Ten Hag reunion; Arsenal ready strong move to sign ‘unbelievable’ player
Manchester United are pushing to sign two stars from Ajax with a free-transfer seemingly close, Arsenal are ready to make a quick and decisive move for a £100m man, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims Barcelona are chasing a Man City star at the expense of a Wolves man.
AJAX TEENAGER POISED TO SEAL MOVE TO MAN UTD
Manchester United are closing on the signing of Ajax teenager Amourricho van Axel Dongen, according to reports.
The Red Devils have regularly shopped at the Dutch giants since Erik ten Hag’s appointment as manager. Indeed, Lisandro Martinez and Antony both arrived last summer for vastly-inflated fees.
And there has since been talk of further raids on the Amsterdammers with Ten Hag also a fan of Jurrien Timber.
But the next move on Ajax will actually come for a talented teen, with Van Axel Dongen poised to sign on the dotted line.
The teenager was handed his Ajax debut by Ten Hag back in December 2021 at the age of just 17. Now 18, he has struggled for first-team minutes under Alfred Schreuder and Johnny Heitinga this season.
And with his contract due to expire in the summer, a free-transfer move to Manchester United is being mooted.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are one of many clubs ‘informed’ about Van Axel Dongen’s situation.
His deal is due to expire at the end of the season, so can move on a free transfer. And while Ajax are offering fresh terms to 2027, a move away appears likely.
Now a reunion with Ten Hag appears likely, with the player revealing he was open to such an opportunity when questioned earlier this season.
“I will remain eternally grateful to him for giving me the opportunity as a young player to play football with players like Antony and Dusan Tadic,” he told Voetbal Zone.
“And I think it’s great to see that things are going a bit better with Manchester United; I really wish him that.”
Van Axel Dongen could be joined by Mohammed Kudus
“Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to speak to him [Ten Hag] since his transfer to United, but who knows, our paths may cross in the future.
“To be honest, I am not currently in the process of renewing my contract.
“For now I will focus completely on staying fit and playing and see what comes my way. Talks are not underway yet, but they could always be.”
Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also keen – but it seems United are in pole position.
Indeed, the prospect of another double summer raid on Ajax remains a strong possibility.
And transfer journalist Dean Jones claims Ten Hag is desperate for another reunion – this time for Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghanaian forward is enjoying an excellent season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.
Jones writes: ‘Erik Ten Hag knows Kudus from his time at Ajax and recommends him.
‘Kudus, 22, is contracted to Ajax until 2025 and there is now an expectation that his price-tag is heading north of £50million’.
ARSENAL POISED TO LAUNCH MASSIVE DECLAN RICE OFFER
Arsenal chief Edu is looking to pounce quickly for Declan Rice in an effort to wrap up the transfer race early.
The West Ham star is ready to leave after revealing he wants to play at a higher level. And with Mikel Arteta on the hunt for a new midfielder, a move to Arsenal is being strongly mooted.
Hammers boss David Moyes values the England midfielder at north of £100m – but competition is still likely to be tough.
Indeed, alongside Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are also on Rice’s trail.
But it is Arsenal who are favourites and now transfer jhournalist Dean Jones claims Edu will make a big move early in the window to convince West Ham to sell.
Hailed as an ‘unbelievable’ player by Teddy Sheringham, Jones told Givemesport: “They won’t let go of this without making a strong attempt at getting Declan Rice.
“It’s not yet clear when they’ll look to make their opening offer. But I would imagine it’s going to be around June time that they’ll look to make their first moves with this transfer. They want to understand exactly where they stand.”
Rice has already hinted at a possible move to the Gunners with some big compliments about Arteta and Arsenal.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has last laugh on Chelsea as £100m signing nears for Arsenal due to key Gunners advantage
BARCELONA TURN DOWN RUBEN NEVES – BUT UP CHASE FOR GUNDOGAN
Barcelona are to abandon their long-standing interest in Ruben Neves, according to reports in Spain.
The Portugal midfielder has been with Wolves since summer 2017 when a shock move to then Championship Wolves was sealed.
Since then, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders outside the top-six clubs.
Persistently linked with moves away, his deal at Wolves is due to expire in summer 2024.
That leaves the Old Gold vulnerable to his sale this summer with Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona among his admirers.
However, Barcelona are now ruling themselves out the equation by way of the fact that he will still command a £30m fee.
And with their financial issues coming to the surface again, Barcelona have opted against a move.
Instead, they are turning up their quest to land Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan.
The Germany midfielder becomes a free agent this summer – hence his added appeal for the LaLiga giants.
According to AS, the 32-year-old has this week held talks with Barca boss Xavi on his possible role in the side.
They are well blessed for midfielders at present. However, both Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie are likely to be sacrificed to raise funds.
As a result, an opening for Gundogan looks to be on the cards.
Pep Guardiola has already said Gundogan will leave with his blessing if he chooses to sign for the Blaugrana.
READ MORE: Haaland pokes fun at Carragher as striker answers Man City ‘divorce’ talk with clear future aims
The article Transfer Gossip: Man Utd eye two more Ajax raids with ‘super-talent’ on brink of Ten Hag reunion; Arsenal ready strong move to sign ‘unbelievable’ player appeared first on Teamtalk.com.
