Arsenal are reportedly considering a surprise move for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo this January, as pressure mounts for a bold transfer. The England international, who has struggled to break into United’s starting XI this season, might find solace at the Emirates Stadium, as suggested by renowned ESPN journalist Mark Ogden.
Mainoo, who boasts nine appearances off the bench in the Premier League this season, has been a peripheral figure under Ruben Amorim at United. The only start he enjoyed was in a League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, prompting speculation of an exit. Frustrated by limited opportunities and facing stiff competition from captain Bruno Fernandes, Mainoo nearly sought a loan move out of Old Trafford during the summer window. Yet, a conversation with United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, convinced him otherwise.
However, with Chelsea and several other top-flight clubs monitoring his situation, the upcoming winter window may present the dynamic midfielder with alternative prospects. Arsenal, amidst a bustling transfer market, might make a calculated, short-term offer should they require additional depth for their midfield.
On the ESPN FC podcast, Ogden voiced his insights, stating: “United might prefer to keep him, but we know they’re open to letting homegrown talents go. We saw it with Garnacho moving to Chelsea in the summer, so Mainoo’s future could be intriguing.”
Despite expressing doubts over a potential move to North London, Ogden recognised Arsenal’s potential need for depth behind midfield maestro Martín Ødegaard. Given the club’s heavy summer expenditure and ongoing contention for honours, a player of Mainoo’s calibre—providing short-term cover—aligns with Arsenal’s strategic needs should Ødegaard be unavailable.
Writing on ESPN’s website, Ogden highlighted the limitations in Arsenal’s midfield. With teenage prodigy Max Dowman not yet ready to take on such responsibility, Arsenal’s best course of action could be a savvy loan deal for someone like Mainoo, contingent on United securing a successor for the unsettled 20-year-old.
As we edge closer to January, keep an eye on this potential transfer twist in the Premier League.