Arsenal set to make January move for defender who has been linked with Manchester United - Reports

Arsenal are joining Manchester United in the race to sign Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey in the upcoming winter transfer window. According to Turkish outlet Sporx, the Gunners are ready to spend close to €20 million to secure the 23-year-old Frenchman.

The report adds that the North London side sent scouts to watch Boey in Galatasaray's 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League earlier this month. He has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford as well.

Boey left Stade Rennais in 2021 to join the Turkish side in search of regular game time. He has developed into one of Europe's hottest prospects at right-back, especially for his offensive contributions.

Arsenal have primarily used Ben White at right-back. Summer signing Jurrien Timber was expected to provide competition but he suffered a long-term injury. Takehiro Tomiyasu has also gotten minutes at the position, but the Gunners are keen on adding an offensive-minded option.

Manchester United, on the other hand, have Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as their right-back options. Wan-Bissaka suffered an injury last month and is expected to miss time, while Dalot has been used on either flanks as the Red Devils' backline has been decimated with injuries.

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Pundit compares tactical situation at Manchester United and Arsenal, highlighting major worry for Red Devils

Owen claims that United do not have an identity under ten Hag.

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has said that Manchester United do not have a definitive style of football under Erik ten Hag, which is impacting them. Speaking to DAZN Bet, Owen said that the lack of tactical clarity was unlike the situation at other big clubs, including Arsenal.

He said:

"The one thing I say to people is that if you put Man City in front of me and changed the colours of their shirts and the faces of the players, I could watch them for about 30 seconds and say that’s Manchester City playing there. I could do the same with Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and virtually every other team, including Brighton, they just have an identity."

He added:

"I watch Man Utd and I still don’t know what they are, and I’ve been watching them for a very long time. I don’t know if they are a counter-attacking team, I don’t know if they are a possession team, I don’t know if they press from the front."

Manchester United have endured a tough start to their 2023-24 Premier League campaign with just five wins from their first nine games. They are currently eighth in the table and are set to face Manchester City in the weekend.

Arsenal, on the other hand, surprised many by contending for the title last season. While they eventually came up short, the Gunners look poised to finish this campaign strongly as well.