Man Utd ready to fight Arsenal for £40m Premier League star – but must wait until summer

Fabrizio Romano has clarified the matter and Cole Palmer has cheekily expressed his sentiments over the possible move, reassuring Manchester United supporters that there is no need to fear over rumours that Kobbie Mainoo could be enticed away to Chelsea this month.

After the Blues allegedly put themselves in a strong position to sign the teenage sensation amid rumours that PSR issues could force Manchester United to sell him, the Red Devils midfielder has been linked to a somewhat unexpected move to Chelsea. And having established himself as a regular for club and country over the past year, the loss of their youthful star would definitely hurt the Red Devils hard.

When Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail and Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic reported earlier this week that negotiations for an extension had reached a dead end and that the Blues were interested in a potential deal if United were forced to sell, speculation about Mainoo’s future began to circulate.

Even though United would hate to lose their best young player, the 19-year-old’s sale cannot be completely ruled out because the team is working hard to raise money to strengthen the squad and make sure they are in compliance with the Premier League’s stringent Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

However, dependable transfer journalist Romano is certain that people associated with United do not need to fret over the midfielder’s future, even though there have been rumours that United has set its asking price to Chelsea for the sale of the 10-time England cap this month.

He posted on his YouTube channel, saying, “What I can tell you is that a lot of your messages are about this Chelsea story. I think it’s absolutely normal for all top clubs in the world – Chelsea for sure – but many others to appreciate a player like Kobbie Mainoo.”

How is it possible not to like a gifted person like Kobbie Mainoo? Remember what this boy did for the English national team as a child? He was in the academy a year ago and went on to have a great rise with Man United and the Euros. Therefore, falling in love with Kobbie Mainoo is perfectly normal, especially if you’re an English club.

But for now, that’s all there is to it. “Chelsea likes Kobbie Mainoo” is not my headline because that is so obvious and commonplace.

However, Manchester United’s point is that everything is quiet and there are no talks with other clubs or bids on the table. The player has a deal through 2027 with a 2028 option. Thus, Manchester United is not in a dire condition.

Cole Palmer gives a sly nod as Man Utd remains composed throughout the Mainoo contract negotiations.

According to Daily Mirror reports on Wednesday night, United had put a £70 million price tag on Mainoo’s head in case Chelsea made a serious bid for his talents. The Blues might not find the asking amount to be completely exorbitant.

But as Romano says, United isn’t in a panic right now over losing their best midfield player. And while talks over a new deal would likely have a huge influence on his future, writer Simon Phillips has indicated that Mainoo is in no haste to relocate to Stamford Bridge and his first priority remains on negotiating a new deal at Old Trafford as a priority.

That said, it is evidentally clear that United will need to considerably enhance his wage from the existing £20,000 a week arrangement the 19-year-old currently finds himself on.

And while the Mirror said the teenage sensation was demanding a deal in the area of £200,000 a week – which could potentially lift him to among United’s top earners – we understand his demands are nowhere near as exteme as that, despite his clear need for a hefty pay-rise.

With United clearly having some anxiety that Mainoo could wind up moving, rumours from Italy have stated the Red Devils are ready to turn to Juventus star Douglas Luiz as a would-be replacement.

In the meanwhile, rumours that Mainoo could abandon Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge has definitely garnered plenty of attention with followers of both sides anxious to learn of any developments over what would be one of the most high-profile transfers of recent years were it to go through.

It seems Chelsea’s leading light, Cole Palmer, is similarly fascinated by the speculation and his England teammate has cheekily done his part to say it is a probable transfer he would welcome with a little engagement on the social media platform Instagram.

Palmer revealed his true colours by giving the post a thumbs-up seal of approval when user @TheSecretScout1 asked their followers if Mainoo joining Chelsea would be a wise move.

Current Man Utd news: Amad’s new contract is finalised; Rashford’s future takes a significant turn
According to talkSPORT, West Ham is prepared to put its hat in the ring for Marcus Rashford’s signing, which suggests Manchester United may be prepared to look into a new exit strategy for the player.

Rashford’s brother and agent are meeting with AC Milan on Wednesday, suggesting that he will likely leave Old Trafford this month. However, it was disclosed that minnows Como are prepared to make their own effort to capture the England forward, even though Milan will probably find it difficult to finance a deal given rumours that United had laid out two conditions over any move.

Additionally, the competition for the 27-year-old’s services is finally beginning to heat up, with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund as two additional suitors.

In other news, Manchester United has reached an agreement to extend the Ivorian winger’s contract for a long time, and they are about to announce a new deal for him.

Ruben Amorim immediately recognised the attacker as a potential Premier League great, and United has since been successful in ironing out new terms.

Finally, transfer source Rudy Galetti told TEAMtalk that PSG left-back Nuno Mendes has no plans to sign a new contract with the Ligue 1 powerhouses, which has given Ruben Amorim more momentum in his pursuit of a new left wing-back.