Arsenal & Man Utd Battle Atletico Madrid for Atalanta Star Ederson in £45m Summer Transfer Race

Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson when the transfer window opens, according to transfer guru David Ornstein.

Ederson’s Atalanta performances have attracted interest from a number of high-profile European sides.

La Liga giants Atletico Madrid had hoped to sign the Brazilian earlier this year and pushed to land the midfielder in the January window.

And Atletico, who will face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Champions League, are expected to follow up their interest in Ederson in the off season.

Premier League pair keen on Ederson

However, they’ll now face competition from the Gunners, and their Premier League rivals United.

Both sides are tipped to dip into the market in the summer with central midfield an area the pair are looking to strengthen.

While Arsenal added Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to the ranks last year, the Premier League leaders are keen to bolster in a key area.

United eye Ederson as Casemiro replacement

United, too, are expected to add to their squad as they gear up to lose Casemiro at the end of the season.

The Brazilian’s contract is up in the summer and the former Real Madrid man will leave Old Trafford after four years at the club.

And with question marks over Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan struggling to nail down a spot in the side, United will prioritise central midfield when the transfer window opens.

With a return to the Champions League likely following their 1-0 win at Chelsea over the weekend, United need to add strength in depth in midfield.

Atalanta want £45m for combative midfielder

Ederson won’t come cheap, with Atalanta expected to demand around £45m for one of their prized assets.

The Brazil international has started 23 of Atalanta’s 33 league games this season having featured from the off in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Roma.