The agent of Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has revealed that Arsenal were very interested in signing the Dutchman before the global health crisis hit earlier this year.

The 23-year-old completed his move to Old Trafford yesterday, with the Red Devils paying an initial £35m, with another £5m in add-ons, but speaking in an interview in the Netherlands, Sjaak Swart confirmed that the Gunners were keen on the player but could not stump up the cash required:

“They [Arsenal] really wanted him — they just couldn’t get the money for a transfer. Even the biggest clubs struggle. Arsenal is a great club, but United will certainly be an interesting adventure.”

It is an interesting revelation from Swart as it raises questions as to where van de Beek would have fitted in. The Dutch international is an attacking midfielder by trade so was he being lined up as a potential replacement for Mesut Ozil?

He did play in a more withdrawn role last season so perhaps he was considered as a potential alternative to Dani Ceballos. In any case, it appears the London club are now focusing their efforts on Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.