Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Benfica winger Andrija Zivkovic, who is also the subject of interest from Manchester United.
According to a report by Sport Witness, Arsenal are determined to win the race to sign Andrija Zivkovic from Benfica in the summer transfer window. Manchester United are also interested in the Serbian winger, and have regularly sent scouts to monitor his progress this season.
Andrija Zivkovic has had a lot of excitement and hype around his name ever since he broke into the Partizan Belgrade first-team setup at the nascent age of 17. Having also made his international debut at the same age, it came as no surprise that clubs were clamouring for him.
Arsenal were among the clubs that had vied for his signature in the summer of 2016, but Zivkovic chose to join Benfica instead. At Estadio da Luz, the player’s progress has been slow, largely owing to a thigh injury at the onset of the season. However, he seems to have found his feet, and is now a regular in the first-team setup.
One area where Zivkovic has been lacking though, is the direct contribution that he makes to his team’s cause, with an underwhelming return of 3 goals and 5 assists in 23 appearances across all competitions. Nevertheless, the youngster remains a highly-rated prospect, with Arsenal and Manchester United among those that are tailing him.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a summer move for the 21-year-old, with Arsene Wenger an admirer of his talents since his days at Partizan Belgrade. The Gunners’ interest in Zivkovic makes sense as well, with no natural winger in their squad – Alex Iwobi prefers playing a more central role as well.
In Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Wenger has two strong playmakers to complement Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. A natural winger in Zivkovic will thus, add more dynamism to the Arsenal attack. But, the North Londoners face stiff competition from Manchester United in his pursuit.
Jose Mourinho has several players who can provide a pacy outlet on the wings. But, the Manchester United boss still doesn’t have a naturally right-sided winger with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Alexis Sanchez all being more effective on the left flank, which perhaps explains the Red Devils’ interest in the Serb.
Arsenal though, are determined to beat Manchester United in pursuit of Zivkovic, and are ready to step up their interest in him. Champions League football however, may play a part in influencing his decision.
Manchester United look primed to finish inside the top four, with fifth-placed Chelsea nine points adrift. Arsenal, on the other hand, can only possibly qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League this season and might, thus, have to play the waiting game.
The race to sign Zivkovic is heating up, and it remains to be seen where he heads off to in the summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United set to battle each other in his pursuit.
