Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Arsenal and Manchester United are set to go toe-to-toe in the summer transfer market for the services of Villarreal winger Samuel Castillejo, Italian outlet Il Mattino reports.
The 22-year-old has excelled with the Yellow Submarines this season, netting three goals and securing five assists in 37 appearances this season, and the Premier League pair are amongst a host of top-sides tracking the youngster.
Villarreal are determined not to lose their prized-asset on the cheap and are demanding at least £35m for the former Malaga youngster but Arsenal could use their relationships within Spain to their advantage- having signed Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal and boasting both Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal as former Malaga men.
However, the rival interest from Manchester United could prove to be a problem as the Red Devils could match Villarreal’s demands with ease- whereas Arsenal may be more careful with the player’s price-tag, as it would see Castillejo become the club’s second all-time most expensive signing- equalling the figure paid for Shkodran Mustafi last summer.
Arsenal could be seeking recruits in the wide areas of their side though as question marks remain on the futures of Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lucas Perez, who have all been linked with a summer exit.
If Castillejo was to arrive, he could be seen as a direct replacement for any of the above trio and could excel for the next decade at the Emirates Stadium.
Should Arsenal push to ensure they land Castillejo this summer? Join our forum and have your say with fellow fans!
