Transfer moves continue to ramp up with Manchester United singled out as one of the teams being linked to several players. The latest one is Alassane Plea of Borussia Monchengladbach although they face stiff competition. Arsenal FC has also expressed interest in the 27-year-old striker along with other teams who are out to beef up their lineups.
According to BILD, the asking fee for Plea is between $38 to $43 million. The French football player has attracted interest mainly due to his fine showing for Gladbach. This season, he has accounted for nine goals. But interest in Plea has been ongoing for some time now. When he was acquired in 2018, several England teams expressed interest in him. It appears that has not changed if not increased with Plea continuing to perform admirably.
For United, it will be interesting if they successfully pry Plea from Gladbach. He is one of several names being linked to the Red Devils. Players like Raul Jimenez have been mentioned, someone who carries a $41 million price tag. The Red Devils were believed to be settling for Odion Ighalo previously but had a change of heart. Ighalo is on loan and his deal is set to expire at the end of this month. Unless something comes up, he is due to return to China and rejoin his home team, Shanghai Shenhua.
Initially, it seemed the reason behind passing on Ighalo is that Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba could be back in harness once the league restarts in June. Both are coming off injuries but are reportedly recuperating well. It is possible that Plea could be a backup in case Rashford and/or Pogba are not yet ready to resume play. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only has Anthony Martial to bank on moving forward. He is looking for more help.
Arsenal, on the other hand, Plea is the new face that enters the mix. They were mentioned as pursuing Willian of the Chelsea. However, nothing is certain and the Blues are reportedly studying the contracts of their big-name players. Willian is seeking a three-year deal but Chelsea was only willing to give him a two-year contract. Like United, Plea could be one of their options if their targets suddenly become unavailable.
Also, Plea could be an alternative if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang walks. It appears he too may be headed elsewhere with only over a year left in his current deal. Aubameyang has been linked to several teams, ironically including United.
