Manchester United transfer stalling could allow Arsenal back in
Laurie Whitwell broke the news for The Athletic late on deadline day that Manchester United’s move for Leicester City’s Louis Page was set to be called off, with the two clubs failing to reach an agreement.
Whitwell reported that United have been in talks over a deal worth more than £10m, with Leicester believed to want £12m rising to a potential £15m. The plan then would have been to loan Page back to Leicester for the 2026/27 season.
The report added that Arsenal also held talks to sign Page over the summer, but the player made it clear United were his preferred destination if he left Leicester. In the end, he didn’t make a move at all.
It’s not impossible Arsenal could now attempt to re-enter the race in future transfer windows, particularly if United decide against another move.
Though if United remain involved, the Gunners will probably want to avoid wasting their time on a player who prefers another club.
Arsenal have been on a major youth recruitment drive this summer, bringing in a number of top young players. But going for so many new signings inevitably leads to some failed moves, and in Arsenal’s case those have both come from Leicester City.
The Gunners first managed to convince Leicester’s Jeremy Monga to join, only to fail to agree terms with his club. Then they were turned down by Page.
Even so, the Arsenal academy teams look a lot stronger now than at the start of the summer window.
18-year-old Page has already made his breakthrough into senior football, and he racked up 21 appearances in the Championship, FA Cup, and League Cup last season.
The youngster has also played his first games of the new campaign, featuring five times for Leicester in all competitions and providing an assist on Tuesday night.
With Leicester’s relegation to League One at the end of last season, the job of holding onto their top talents has become even more difficult than when they were in the second tier. It’s likely clubs will be back for Page in January.
