Arsenal tipped to sign Man Utd star in shock transfer

Arsenal have been urged to make a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Casemiro if Thomas Partey leaves the club this summer.

The Gunners are willing to sell Partey during the summer transfer window and have been approached by several European clubs for a deal.

Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva believes Casemiro, who struggled at Old Trafford last season, would be a “very strong and stable option” for his former club to replace Partey.

Casemiro had an encouraging first season at Manchester United after leaving Real Madrid in 2022, but has had a dismal 2023-24 campaign.

The 32-year-old, who has won five Champions League trophies at the Bernabeu, has particularly struggled to provide cover in central defence, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher claiming he has finished at the highest level.

But Gilberto believes Casemiro has only underperformed because of the chaos at Manchester United and would be a “good fit” for Arsenal.

“At Manchester United we have to analyse the team itself and not individual players like Casemiro,” the Brazilian told Bet365.

“Manchester United didn’t have a good season until the very end, they had some good performances, but to have a bad season like that has an impact on everyone.

“Sometimes I saw him play out of position and play as a central defender. The team itself also had to deal with a lot of injuries, which was very tough on the manager, but very tough for the team as well.

“Some players are affected more than others and I was honestly surprised to see how badly Casemiro was beaten by the pundits and commentators.

“The season before last they loved him and now everyone is pointing the finger at him, blaming him for Manchester United’s season.

“They just need to calm down and look at the bigger picture. You have to look at how United performed as a team.

“Look at the whole picture and you see the effect. For me, Casemiro remains a good player. I don’t know if he will stay at the club or not, but he is a player I would like to have in my team.

“I think he still has the ability to stay in the Premier League, whether he is at Manchester United or another club. It depends on what he and the club want to do. I hope he finds a club that meets his expectations. »

Gilberto, who helped the Gunners win the Premier League in 2004, added: “Casemiro could be a good choice for Arsenal, let’s wait and see what happens.

“It would be very interesting if Thomas Partey left the club. If that position becomes available, it would be interesting to see Casemiro in his place, he would bring a very solid and stable option to their midfield.”

Casemiro is linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, but he has responded to suggestions he could no longer play for a club like Manchester United.

“I feel very good, very good,” Casemiro told Sky Sports. “I’m really good, I feel healthy, with energy and the same mentality that I’ve always had.

“I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it’s proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at 39 years old, came here and showed that yes, we can play. Previous Ballon d’Or winners were over 34 years old.

“At Man City, there is Kevin De Bruyne. (Mohamed) Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not a problem, it is not a factor, but analyzing his game and knowing everything that passes around the game.

“They are people who analyze football well, who see what is happening, who know what is happening, without analyzing age.

“But I’m fine, I’m happy, I’m enjoying every day I’m here. As I often say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted. This joy of being able to enjoy the game, the Premier League.

“So I’m happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game.”

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