- Manchester United battle Arsenal for Ederson
- Brazilian midfielder set to leave Atalanta
- Could be one of three midfield signings
David Ornstein has given an update on plans at Manchester United and revealed the Reds are in a three-horse race to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson. The Brazilian is expected to leave the Italian club this summer.
Ederson had looked set to join Atletico Madrid, but a move to the Spanish giants has yet to be sealed. That has paved the way for other clubs to enter the mix and United are one of them.
The 26-year-old has been on the Red Devils’ radar in the past and has enjoyed a superb spell at Atalanta. A summer switch to one of Europe’s big clubs looks to be on the horizon.
Ederson has been with Atalanta since the summer of 2022, when he arrived from Italian club Salernitana. He’s since made over 170 appearances, including in his side’s Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
Man United and Arsenal Eyeing Ederson
Ornstein reckons the Brazilian midfielder will be on the move this summer and he mentioned Old Trafford as a possible destination. He told a fan for The Athletic:
“Suitors think they can get him for around €40m, while Atalanta hope to get more towards €50m. His agent is said to be working hard at it. There’s interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal and others.”
Ederson is a box-to-box midfielder with plenty of energy and a superb ball carrier. He has appeared 35 times across competitions this season, posting two goals and one assist.
Where Does Ederson Fit Into INEOS Plans?
Ornstein also mentioned the likes of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton in the Q&A. He claimed Anderson is the Reds’ top midfield target while Wharton is viewed as a second midfield signing.
That might indicate that Ederson is either a Wharton alternative or a third midfield target. Casemiro is leaving Old Trafford when his contract expires in June.
Manuel Ugarte’s future is in doubt amid a difficult spell at the Theatre of Dreams. A potential move to Italy has been speculated in recent weeks.
Replacing Casemiro and Ugarte should be INEOS’ main focus during the summer transfer window. But there is already a clear need for another midfielder, which makes it extremely likely that three new faces will arrive in the middle of the park.
Other areas of the squad likely to be addressed are on the left wing, with Yan Diomande and Iliman Ndiaye as two potential options. A new left-footed centre-back could also be desired.
