Ineos working on signing Arsenal target for Amorim, fee already agreed – report

Manchester United are working on signing Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, as per reports.

Dan Ashworth’s abrupt exit from Old Trafford has thrown United’s transfer plans into disarray heading into the January transfer window. With no sporting director, it remains unclear who will spearhead the club’s recruitment process in the upcoming weeks.

However, a report from journalist Eduardo Burgos suggests United’s technical director Jason Wilcox is leading the club’s pursuit of a talented full-back.

According to Burgos (via Ben Jacobs), United are keen on signing Leon from the Paraguayan outfit.

El Manchester United está muy interesado en firmar a Diego León, lateral zurdo de 17 años.

Los ‘Diablos Rojos’ negocian su traspaso con Cerro Porteño. Hay optimismo por parte del jugador, puede cerrarse pronto.

Jason Wilcox está involucrado en la operación.

🤝@JacobsBen pic.twitter.com/ZQAHbRdzYg

— Eduardo Burgos (@edu17burgos) December 10, 2024

The 17-year-old left-back has attracted interest from several clubs with his astute performances for Cerro Porteño.

He made 19 Primera División Clausura appearances in 2024 and registered two goals in the competition.

It is claimed that the Premier League giants are negotiating his transfer with his club, and the player is optimistic that the “deal could be finalised soon.”

Wilcox is understood to be involved in the operation. The claim isn’t surprising as the technical director also played a big part in finding an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte over the summer.

Further, journalist César Luis Merlo suggests United are in advanced talks for Leon, having already agreed a transfer fee, believed to be worth £3.1 million with Cerro Porteño.

Now, the parties are allegedly discussing finer details, including a potential sell-on clause for the player’s current club.

According to Transfermarkt, Leon is regarded as one of the best U18 South American talents, who has also landed on Arsenal’s radar.

Accordingly, United should do their best to beat the competition for him and secure his signing as soon as possible, even if Ruben Amorim, who is in a desperate need of a new left wing-back, may have to wait a few years for the exciting prospect to develop into a first-team ready option.