According to the Daily Star Manchester United have reached an agreement with Juventus for midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Citing reports in Chile it appears that Juventus have accepted an offer of £32 million plus left-back and Patrice Evra for Vidal.
Vidal would be a massive signing for new United boss Louis van Gaal. The talented Chile midfielder has been linked with many of Europe’s big games including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal. For United to land him, without being able to offer Champions League football next season is another big win for the Old Trafford side.
Vidal joined Juventus in 2011 from Bayer Leverkusen and has seen his stock rise after playing a central role in the club’s three consecutive Serie A titles, making a name for himself as a player who is equally comfortable tackling tough or scoring and assisting goals.
Vidal is very much a LVG signing. Former United boss David Moyes had done a lot of work towards signing Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos, but van Gaal wanted Vidal instead and it looks like Ed Woodward and the United board have delivered.
For years United fans have grumbled and complained at the team’s midfielder with Darren Fletcher, Marouane Fellaini and Tom Cleverley not up to the task. But Vidal alongside United’s new Spanish recruit Ander Herrera and suddenly United’s central midfield looks a lot more dynamic and athletic.
Vidal will not be the last signing for United this summer as LVG gives the squad a upgrade that it has been desperately needing. United are also strongly linked with Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels, Porto star Eliaquim Mangala and Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan.
Add in Luke Shaw and United will probably spend close to £250 million net this summer on new players, which is today’s Financial Fair Play world is remarkable.
