United’s pursuit of “insane” Rodri regen poses huge threat to Arsenal, Wilcox in talks over 34m deal – report

Manchester United’s pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson could be set to deal a double blow to two of the club’s bitter rivals, according to the latest report. Midfield Monster Possessing an imposing 6’2″ frame, Larsson fits the physical bill as a defensive midfielder, offering “insane running power and stamina”, yet retaining surprising speed for someone so tall. The 22-year-old Sweden international is not simply a brute, however. He is capable in possession as well, regularly dropping deep to help progress the ball forward for Eintracht Frankfurt, demonstrating high levels of press resistance. Die Adler do not want to lose their No.16, who has drawn lofty comparisons to Manchester City maestro Rodri due to his combination of technical and physical qualities. However, the current state of European football means that when a Premier League club comes knocking for the star player of a side who finished eighth in the Bundesliga, it usually ends with one conclusion. A report relayed by The Peoples Person last week revealed both Manchester United and Newcastle United are understood to have “both held talks” with Larsson’s camp. The player is said to be open to leaving the Waldstadion. While the price tag last year was around £50 million, Frankfurt are understood to be demanding at least £34 million this summer, though there will be hope of a bidding war between the two English rivals. Double Blow With One Move In an interesting twist, if Manchester United were to strike a deal for Larsson ahead of Newcastle United, it would have a knock-on effect for another one of the club’s bitter rivals, Arsenal. The Gunners, fresh from their first Premier League title in 22 years, are prioritising a move for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. Naturally, the North East side are loath to lose their midfield talisman, particularly to a direct competitor. But if Guimaraes looks to seal an exit from St James’ Park – he is understood to have communicated his wish to swap Tyneside for North London – then Newcastle United want Larsson as his replacement. Caught Offside reveals the Magpies are “intensifying” their interest in the Swede as they look to strengthen in midfield, having already lost Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur. “Having already endured a difficult summer with the sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, Newcastle will no doubt be keen to avoid another high-profile departure. Still, sources suggest there is an acceptance that Guimaraes will end up leaving, and the club want to have a replacement lined up,” the report states. A well-placed source claims that “as long as the price is right”, Newcastle United are “not going to stand” in Guimaraes’ way – as long as a target is primed and ready to slot into the Brazilian’s place. Caught Offside confirms the Red Devils also “really like” Larsson, leading to a potential scenario where “United swoop in for Larsson, preventing Newcastle from signing their ideal Guimaraes replacement, [and] were that to happen, the Gunners would have to hope that NUFC find an alternative, or else it could really derail their move for Guimaraes.” Final Thoughts With two midfielders – Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans – already signed and delivered for Michael Carrick this summer, the Manchester United head coach is “intent” on adding a third. A player with the profile of Larsson makes sense to bring more balance to the engine room, as his size and strength will help replace some of the key attributes that were lost with Casemiro’s departure. If a deal can be struck as low as £34 million for the Eintracht Frankfurt powerhouse, with United having held talks already, it would constitute an astute piece of business. But if it then had the ripple effect of ruining Arsenal’s pursuit of Guimaraes, while denying Newcastle United one of their prime targets, it would become a deliciously sweet piece of astute business by sporting director Jason Wilcox and his band of INEOS brothers. Featured image Christian Kaspar-Bartke 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.