Arsenal and Manchester United Set for January Battle over Italian Midfielder - Report
Arsenal and Manchester United are planning a January swoop for Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, according to the Metro.
The Italian has been seriously linked with a switch to Old Trafford over the past few transfer windows but the move has failed to materialise owing to a number of reasons. However, Arsenal have now joined the race for the 27-year-old, whose career in Turin is currently in the doldrums after Arturo Vidal was handed a long-term contract with the Italian giants.
Both teams are looking to bolster their squad in the upcoming transfer window with Arsenal looking to keep their title challenge running and Manchester United planning to push on for a place in the top four. The Red Devils are currently 10 points off the top before Christmas and need a miracle of epic proportions to come back into the title race.
New manager David Moyes has identified his midfield as the one for major upheaval. The likes of Michael Carrick are moving into the mid-thirties while Ryan Giggs turned 40 in November. Marchisio will be a long-term replacement for Carrick and will give them some strong legs in the middle of the park where they have been found wanting of late.
Arsenal on the other hand will be looking at the player as a replacement for Mikel Arteta who is not growing any younger. The Spaniard has been found wanting at times, trying to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, and Wenger will be looking to plug that gap in what is otherwise among the best midfields in the league.
The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League table and will host Chelsea in a top of the table showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. A win for the Gunners will keep them on top of the pack going into Christmas, giving Wenger's side some much needed confidence ahead of a busy festive season.
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