United plotting audacious raid on Arsenal as Carrick eyes more attacking firepower, 38m could seal the deal – report

Apart from their planned midfield revamp, Manchester United also have plans to upgrade their left wing position. Currently, the Red Devils do not have a specialist winger, which is why Michael Carrick had to utilise Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu in that role. Both excelled, but INEOS are aware of the need to recruit a specialist ahead of United’s return to the Champions League. There are talks of reintegrating Marcus Rashford into the squad, and if that does not materialise, West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville has been identified as a top target. United have problems out wide The only problem is that the 20-time English league champions can only pursue the Dutchman after the Mancunian is sold, and this delay has allowed rival suitors to edge ahead in the race. This is why INEOS are keeping alternative targets ready, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli emerging as a shock option. The Brazilian won the Premier League last time out, even though his personal performances were a mixed bag with Mikel Arteta increasingly looking beyond him. He still managed 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions, but Calciomercato have claimed that the Gunners are open to his sale for a mere £38 million. Gabriel Martinelli emerges as shock target In fact, his value could tank further following a disappointing World Cup, with the likes of Juventus, AS Roma, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Newcastle all eyeing a move. “Both Juventus and Roma are busy looking for attacking reinforcements on the flanks, and in recent days they have been linked with Gabriel Martinelli. “According to Calciomercato.it, around a month ago, several intermediaries received indications of a price tag of €45-50 million. “The London club was also hoping for a strong World Cup performance from the Brazilian striker, who has also been linked with Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Newcastle, as well as Turkish and Arab giants. Arsenal might throw a spanner in the works “In light of the disappointing Brazil expedition, it is not excluded that in London they could revise their demands on the player’s transfer fee downwards.” Gabriel Martinelli is young and Premier League-proven, which will suit INEOS, but the North London side are unlikely to sell to a direct rival. Not many fans might know this, but the winger had three separate trials with United during the Jose Mourinho era but the Glazers opted against handing him a contract. It looks likely to be another case of a missed opportunity. From INEOS’ perspective, it makes more sense to target Summerville, who could be available for a fee as low as £30 million, with the ex-Leeds ace open to a switch as well, with the Hammers powerless to stop him. Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25