Manchester United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign Rui Patricio from Sporting Lisbon in the summer.
According to a report by Tribal Football, Manchester United are interested in signing Rui Patricio from Sporting Lisbon in the summer. The Red Devils have joined Premier League rivals Arsenal in pursuit of the Portuguese international.
Patricio has been one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Europe ever since he made the rank with the senior team at Sporting Lisbon in 2006. In nearly 11 years since then, he has not only been the number one for the Portuguese giants but has also become a well established member in the national setup.
Patricio has played more than 400 times for Sporting, while also notching up 57 appearances for Portugal. And after a solid showing in Euros 2016, he has continued to turn in consistent performances for Sporting.
The 29-year-old has played 32 times in all competitions for the club this season, keeping 12 clean sheets while conceding 34 goals, and his stellar showings have now resulted in him attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
Arsenal have already registered an interest in signing him in the summer, and Manchester United have now joined the North London club in pursuit of the Portuguese international, after monitoring him recently.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has seen first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech struggle for form this season following a number of underwhelming performances between the sticks. Additionally, David Ospina has not managed to stake a claim to become the number one at the Emirates either.
Meanwhile, there’s little clarity over the future of Wojciech Szczesny, who has been on loan at AS Roma for the last two seasons, meaning there’s a growing need to sign a top quality goalkeeper. However, Manchester United could soon have that need as well.
David De Gea has been going great guns in goal for the Red Devils for the last six seasons, but Real Madrid are closely following him with a view to landing him in the summer. Manchester United, though, are believed to be confident of keeping hold of the Spain number one should Los Blancos make a formal offer.
However, they are still creating contingency plans in case De Gea departs from Old Trafford come June, and Patricio has been identified as one of the targets, having scouted him in action against Benfica last week.
Patricio is only 29 years old, and is enjoying the best years of his career, which makes him a viable target for both the Premier League clubs. The report states that Sporting will be willing to listen to offers in upwards of €12 million and it remains to be seen if either of the clubs table a bid for him in the coming months.
