Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing takeover talks at the club. The drawn-out negotiations are hampering his transfer plans, particularly the potential signing of West Ham United’s midfielder Declan Rice.
The Glazers’ protracted negotiations to sell the club have put a damper on Ten Hag’s ability to make new signings. The Dutchman is prioritising a new world-class striker and a central midfielder, with Rice high on his wishlist.
However, the delay in the takeover has left Arsenal in pole position to secure Rice’s signature. The Gunners have already had an initial bid of £90 million ($115.3m) plus add-ons rejected by West Ham, who value Rice at over £100m ($128.1m). Arsenal is expected to place a second bid soon.
Sheikh Jassim of the Qatari royal family is the current favourite to buy the club, but the deal has yet to be completed. Even if approved, the deal would have to pass the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is also reportedly preparing an offer worth £50m ($64m) for Chelsea’s Mason Mount after seeing their initial bid of £40m ($51m) rejected.