Manchester United and Arsenal Battle for Greek Young Stars in Transfer Market

Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly competing with a number of top European clubs to get two young talents from Greece, Babis Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis. The two teenagers were an important part of Olympiacos U-19’s success in winning the UEFA Youth League last season and have now broken into the first team and contributed to Greece’s victory over Scotland in the UEFA Nations League play-off this month.

According to The Sun, Kostoulas and Mouzakitis are being targeted by many top European clubs. Manchester United and Arsenal are said to be keeping tabs on the pair, but they are not the only interested parties. Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Juventus are also said to be interested in the pair.

Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Tottenham are reportedly more focused on signing Kostoulas, while Mouzakitis is also on the radar of Atletico Madrid, Brighton, Villarreal and Wolves.

Kostoulas and Mouzakitis are not the only targets for United and Arsenal in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Premier League giants are also reportedly eyeing Sporting Lisbon star Francisco Trincao. United manager Ruben Amorim is said to be keen on a reunion with his former protégé having previously coached him at Braga and Sporting Lisbon.

Manchester United are indeed looking for additional ammunition in the front line. With Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony likely to leave permanently after their loan spells, the Red Devils need new options to fill their attack line.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also looking for additional forwards after experiencing an injury crisis this season. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka have all suffered serious injuries, leaving Mikel Arteta short of options up front. Arteta himself admitted to being disappointed that the Gunners failed to bring in new players in the January transfer window.

“We had a clear intention to strengthen the squad but it didn’t happen. We’re disappointed but we also know we only want to bring in players who really fit the needs of the team,” Arteta said last month.

However, Arsenal’s failure in the January transfer window may give them more freedom in the summer, with Arteta hinting that the club will have more options to strengthen their squad in the coming months.

“We have an extra card! I don’t know for sure, but it could give us more flexibility financially,” he added.

With a number of clubs interested, the pursuit of Kostoulas and Mouzakitis is predicted to be one of the most interesting transfer sagas of the summer.