Atletico Madrid
No Herrera, no problem – Here are 2 world-class replacements who Man United can target including Barcelona star
Manchester United opinion – Two Ander Herrera replacements for United
According to a report in the Sun, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is poised to join French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window.
The Spanish international’s contract with United expires at the end of this season and there is no update on whether an extension deal has been agreed or not.
As per the report, PSG are set to offer the midfielder a deal worth £200,000-a-week, which will make him one of the richest players in world football (h/t Sun).
Herrera is reluctant to leave Manchester United but with new contract terms not being agreed, there is no choice but to pack the bags in the summer (h/t Sun).
With the Red Devils on the cusp of losing one of their important midfield players, they must look to replace him as soon as possible. Here are two options:
Ivan Rakitic (from Barcelona)
It has been well-documented that Ivan Rakitic is a Manchester United target (h/t Sky Sports). The Croat is just a complete midfield player, who has the quality to not only replace Herrera but also be an upgrade on the Spaniard.
Rakitic can play as one of the two in a double-pivot midfield and can have an impact playing as a number 10 as well.
Hence, if Manchester United manage to get him, it would really enhance the prospect of their midfield.
Saul (from Atletico Madrid)
Recently, United have entered the race to sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid, with Manchester City also in the reckoning. The Spanish international is another complete midfielder who has the ability to operate in various positions across the middle of the park.
In terms of making the best use of the ball in the midfield, Saul is one of the better assets. He is good at making late runs into the box to help the attackers. The work rate is right up there to aid the team without possession.
Hence, if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men manage to get him, they can have a Herrera replacement lined up and how!
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Conclusion
Manchester United have been linked with two top-quality midfielders. Hence, if Herrera leaves as anticipated, they must complete the move for either Saul or Rakitic in the summer.
Atletico Madrid
Manchester United Sign Spanish Defender Andrea Medina From Atletico Madrid on Three Year Deal
Manchester United have completed the signing of Spanish full-back Andrea Medina from Atletico Madrid on a three year contract with an optional additional year.
The 22-year-old Seville-born defender arrives after four years at the Spanish club where she made over 100 appearances across all competitions.
Medina developed through Real Betis youth ranks before establishing herself at Atletico Madrid’s first team. She brings genuine pedigree accumulated through multiple trophy-winning campaigns at La Liga level. The defender has represented Spain at various youth levels including Under-23, winning two UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championships and the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Young Talent Brings Spanish Development Pathway
Medina expressed genuine enthusiasm about joining Manchester United, describing the club’s history and supporter passion as genuinely compelling. She highlighted how competing against United last season provided insights into their collective strength and ambition level. The defender demonstrated maturity in recognising the intensity required for English football success.
Her comments suggest authentic buy-in rather than contractual convenience. She specifically referenced supporter passion from Madrid’s away contingent as motivating factor, indicating genuine appreciation for competitive environments and supporter connection.
United Strengthen Defensive Options Early
Medina becomes Manchester United’s first summer signing as they begin rebuilding under their coaching structure. The defender’s arrival provides tactical depth while continuing their Spanish market focus established through previous recruitment success.
This signing feels strategically sound rather than headline-grabbing. Medina arrives established yet still developing, combining immediate quality with significant upside. United clearly identify defensive reinforcement as priority, suggesting confidence in their overall competitive direction moving forward.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is preparing an aggressive transfer approach for Julian Alvarez after the Argentine confirmed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.
Alvarez’s representatives reiterated his exit wish to Atletico on May 25, triggering a scramble involving Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG. Atletico demand £130 million for the 26-year-old World Cup winner who has scored 48 goals in 104 appearances since joining from Manchester City for £82 million in 2024.
The Arsenal Case is Compelling
Berta knows Alvarez personally, having overseen his Atletico move from City. That relationship matters enormously in modern football transfers. Arsenal need a forward desperately. Viktor Gyokeres cost a fortune and flopped.
The Premier League title demands elite attacking reinforcement heading into a potential dynasty building phase. Alvarez scored 29 goals in 54 appearances this season. He is exactly what Arsenal lack and everyone knows it.
The Complications Are Real
Atletico rejected Barcelona’s approach involving Ferran Torres plus cash without hesitation. Simeone publicly acknowledged Arsenal interest while insisting the decision belongs to Alvarez alone.
The Argentine’s contract runs until 2030, giving Atletico enormous negotiating power. Alvarez reportedly prefers Barcelona if he leaves but the Catalans genuinely cannot afford £130 million in the current financial climate.
PSG potentially could but chose to focus transfer budget elsewhere after their Champions League triumph.
Arsenal Can Win This
Alvarez will only consider returning to England if the club is based in London. Arsenal are the only London option among serious suitors.
That geographical preference combined with Berta’s existing relationship and Premier League champion status makes Arsenal realistic frontrunners despite the enormous fee. Arteta needs a 20 plus goal striker immediately. Alvarez is a 20 plus goal striker. The logic writes itself. Arsenal should spend whatever it takes.
Arsenal travels to the BayArena on Wednesday evening in the Champions League last 16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners are overwhelming favourites after finishing top of the league phase with a perfect eight wins from eight matches, while the German side scraped through via the playoff route with victory over Olympiacos.
Mikel Arteta’s side were absolutely flawless in the league phase, with victories over Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan demonstrating their credentials. Arsenal boasted both the best attack, with 23 goals scored, and the best defence, with just four conceded, across those eight matches. The winners progress to a quarter final where they cannot face Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG, Bayern, or Manchester City.
Kick-off: 17:45 GMT, Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: TNT Sports
Saliba, Odegaard and White Doubts for Arsenal
The biggest concerns for Arsenal are William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White, who are all doubts after missing the weekend FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town. Saliba’s ankle problem looks the most serious while Odegaard continues managing a knee issue. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were also withdrawn with issues over the weekend.
The positive news is David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes all returning after being rested for Mansfield. Piero Hincapie is eligible to face his parent club this week.
Leverkusen Missing Seven Key Players
Bayer Leverkusen will be without Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella, and Patrik Schick through various injuries. This is a massive blow for Kasper Hjulmand’s side, who have won just one of their last five matches. Christian Kofane should lead the line with Jarell Quansah starting in defence.
Former Denmark boss Hjulmand has steadied the ship domestically, with Leverkusen unbeaten in six home matches, conceding just one goal in 540 minutes at the BayArena.
Predicted Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Blaswich, Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba, Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo, Maza, Terrier, Kofane
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres
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