Manchester United teenage target reportedly now prefers Arsenal

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Manchester United now risk missing out on Dino Klapija amid claims he now prefers a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.

First-team signings make the headlines but United are always looking for top young players too.

Just look at United’s Under-21 side; the likes of Isak Hansen-Aarøen, Willy Kambwala, Mateo Meija and Radek Vitek have all arrived from abroad in recent years.

Others like Joe Hugill, Omari Forson and Ethan Ennis have arrived from other English clubs, with United always identifying players with big potential.

United have had one more target in mind for a while – but could now see him join a Premier League rival.

Arsenal looking to hijack Manchester United for Dino Klapija

United have been chasing NK Kustuosija wonderkid Dino Klapija for months now.

The Daily Mail reported in August that United were keen to land Klapija whilst Fabrizio Romano indicated that it was a ‘two-horse race’ between United and RB Leipzig.

The Mail added in September that Klapija was expecting to make a decision on his future fairly soon, but more than a month has now passed.

Well, the latest updates don’t look great for United.

The Mail now claim that Arsenal have joined the race for Klapija – and the teenager now prefers a move to North London.

My view: Klapija stance now a real concern for Manchester United

United have been chasing Klapija for at least two months now and seemingly stood a great chance of securing a deal.

The 16-year-old striker has been showing major potential in Croatia and United had been hoping to lure him to Old Trafford.

Losing out to RB Leipzig would have been one thing, but to see Klapija join Arsenal would really, really sting.

Klapija allegedly feels more attracted to the Arsenal project and pathway, seemingly believing that he would have a better chance to shine under Mikel Arteta.

That’s a real concern for United, with Klapija seemingly either not convinced by what Erik ten Hag is doing, or unsure that he would receive first-team chances down the line.

To put so much work into trying to sign Klapija and then potentially come up against him in the Premier League would hurt, and leave United to think about how young talents can be secured in the future.

There may still be time for United to tempt Klapija, but these latest reports suggest that a deal may now be an uphill task after once looking likely.