Manchester United’s pursuit of Mathys Tel has reportedly fallen through, allowing Arsenal a clear run at the wantaway Bayern Munich star.
United had moved into the driving seat for the Frenchman, who has found game-time hard to come by at Bayern this season.
Mathys Tel turned down a move to Tottenham last week, raising United’s hopes of completing a deal.
The Red Devils are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements, with Marcus Rashford set to join Aston Villa on loan.
Boss Ruben Amorim experimented with Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but the tactic backfired as United suffered a heavy defeat.
Tel had been United’s top target, and the 19-year-old was reportedly eager to move to Old Trafford. However, the club’s pursuit of the attacker now appears to have stalled.
According to multiple reports, negotiations between United and Bayern have “completely collapsed.”
Despite holding extensive talks over the weekend, no agreement could be reached.
Bayern are said to have “rejected everything” United proposed, and Tel’s move to Manchester now appears off the table.
While United seems to have fallen out of the race, Arsenal are still very much in contention.
The Gunners are also in the market for attacking reinforcements as they aim to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The Daily Mail reports that United and Bayern could not agree on payment terms, and a resolution now seems “unlikely.”
Tel has scored 16 goals in 83 appearances for Bayern but is seeking an exit after falling out of favor under Vincent Kompany.
Amorim was asked directly about United’s chances of signing Tel following the defeat to Palace but kept his cards close to his chest.
“Like I said, when the window has closed, we will see the players, I am focused to improve the team as a group,” Amorim said.
“We need to win more games, we will try to do that, this season is like that.
“We need to win, small improvements, try to win points, give winning momentum, then we have setbacks and then we go again. But I think it’s clear that we need to improve.
“Today, we choose to play with Kobbie to use the characteristics of Kobbie.
“It’s not nothing against Rasmus or Josh.
“And, sometimes, the team scores goals by creating situations, to use the right characteristics.
“It doesn’t mean if you play with two strikers you are going to score more goals.
“So I think it’s a problem for the team and we have spoken about that all the time.
Read more: Ruben Amorim has no regrets over Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United exit
Manchester United eye late move for Leon Bailey amid Marcus Rashford’s imminent exit