BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand has written off Arsenal’s chances of signing Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard in the summer.

The Gunners were linked with the 28-year-old at the weekend, following his impressive loan spell at West Ham that has seen him score six goals in eight games.

However, Ferdinand doesn’t believe Arsenal fans would accept Lingard, following his previous antics when scoring for United against the London club at the Emirates:

“You know what they [Arsenal fans] wouldn’t have him there. The way he moonwalked off that pitch once, they wouldn’t have it. The fans would rip the place apart. He disrespected the Emirates in a way that hadn’t been seen. Listen West Ham will have a fight to get him by the way because I think other teams are going to be like: ‘Listen, we want him!’ He’s not going to go to Arsenal over West Ham, obviously but there will be other teams. He ain’t going nowhere near Arsenal.”

Ferdinand’s comments are quite odd, to say the least. A mocking celebration would easily be forgiven by supporters if he scores for the Gunners at the same rate he has been for West Ham recently.

The more likely reason why Mikel Arteta’s side may not consider Lingard is his price tag. Despite having just over a year left on his current deal at Old Trafford, United may ask for as much as £30m.

That is an exorbitant fee considering his age and contract situation, and that money would likely be put towards signing someone like Martin Odegaard.