Arsenal have identified Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard as a potential target for the summer transfer window, reports suggest.
The Gunners are set to move for a new creative midfielder, with Martin Odegaard’s future still up in the air.
Mikel Arteta is yet to replace Mesut Ozil on a permanent basis, and is set to use the summer window to do so.
And according to the Daily Star, Lingard has been lined up as a potential target.
The England international has enjoyed a renaissance after joining the Hammers on loan, and worked his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans for the European Championships.
(Image: PA)
West Ham swooped to sign him in January on loan until the end of the season, but don’t have an agreement to sign him permanently.
United chiefs were believed to have wanted to keep the door open for a potential return, and also wanted to create the potential of a bidding war.
And it seems they could get their wish, with Arsenal set to enter into the race to sign him.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
It has been suggested that United might recall him at the end of his loan, only to then sell him permanently to West Ham in a swap deal for Declan Rice.
The holding midfielder remains a target for the Red Devils, and Lingard seems to be enjoying his football again at the London Stadium.
And England hero Paul Merson believes staying in East London would be the best thing for Lingard to continue his impressive form.
“If I was him, I would [go to West Ham]. It ticks the box for him,” he said to Sky Sports.
“He’s the star man there, he gets a lot of the ball. They play to his strengths.
“For me, I think it works for him. I think it’s the perfect move.”
