United Set to Splash Cash on Olmo as Arsenal and Chelsea Miss Out

Manchester United are gearing up to muscle in on the pursuit of Barcelona's Dani Olmo, ready to throw serious money at the deal to pip Arsenal and Chelsea to the post.

The 28-year-old remains a vital cog for both his club and Spain, though he's not always nailed on as a starter. He'll feature prominently for La Roja at the World Cup, and managed 18 goal contributions across 49 appearances for Barcelona last season. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder, Olmo fits the bill as a quality understudy to Bruno Fernandes—now in his thirties—particularly with United's expanded fixture load following Champions League qualification.

Spanish sources suggest the Red Devils view this as a shrewd strategic move to strengthen their attacking department. United are now prepared to splash out beyond the €70m (£60m) mark that Arsenal and Chelsea have been touting, positioning themselves as genuine contenders where the two London sides previously held sway.

The Barcelona man is said to be receptive to testing himself in the Premier League, giving United a significant advantage in negotiations. While Arsenal seek attacking creativity and Chelsea eye improvements across the board, neither can afford to be complacent about United's willingness to spend.

Beyond Olmo, United have already secured Ederson and are hunting at least one, possibly two additional central midfielders. Elliot Anderson appears unlikely to join the exodus to Old Trafford, with United reluctant to engage Manchester City in a bidding war after their mammoth £121m offer—comprising £106m plus £15m in add-ons—was rebuffed by Nottingham Forest.

Instead, United's sights are trained on West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali for midfield reinforcement.

The defensive line also requires attention. A left-back is high on the shopping list, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall emerging as a prime target. The 21-year-old is expected to command around £60m, and there's increasing confidence a deal with the Magpies can be struck. United insiders remain bullish about Hall's willingness to make the switch, with plans already afoot for an aggressive push in the coming weeks.

A left winger completes the wish list as Erik ten Hag's side prepare for a significant overhaul of their squad.