MANCHESTER UNITED’S bid for Denis Zakaria has hit the ropes with Juventus close to signing the midfielder, according to reports.
Zakaria, 25, has been heavily linked with a switch to the Red Devils from Borussia Monchengladbach in recent weeks.
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But Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has announced that Juventus are ‘confident’ they will land Zakaria.
He said: “Juventus are pushing to sign Denis Zakaria immediately.
“Talks ongoing with Borussia Moenchengladbach and Zakaria’s new agents in the last few hours.
“Meeting taking place now for Denis Zakaria-Juventus deal.
“Club confident to complete the agreement while Zakaria is keen on the move.”
Borussia sporting director Max Eberl has already admitted the Swiss star could leave in the January window.
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His contract is due to end in the summer and Zakaria is unwilling to extend his stay at Monchengladbach.
So the German side are open to cashing in on on the player to avoid losing him on a free.
The deal with the Turin team is said to include around £6m of add ons.
However, Arsenal could end up taking advantage of the situation as Juventus look to clear out resources to make room for incoming Zakaria.
Romano says: “Juve need at least one midfielder to leave in the next hours.
“Rodrigo Bentancur or Arthur Melo, as things stand.”
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The Gunners are said to have already cleared funds to land Arthur.
Talks between Arsenal and Juventus seemed to have stalled over the past few days.
But now they hope to land the Brazilian midfielder in the next few hours, if talks between Juventus and Monchengladbach allow.
The signing of Arthur would allow Mikel Arteta to explore options in midfield as the Gunners chase a Champions League place.