Arsenal are hoping to land Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick on a free transfer this summer, according to The Sun.
The 35-year-old is out of contract this summer and the club are yet to extend his new deal with Jose Mourinho appearing reluctant to keep him at the club.
“Look, let’s be honest, I see many positive things in Carrick but I cannot go to his identity cards and delete five years. He is not 35, he is not 30,” explained Mourinho.
Despite the arrival of Paul Pogba, Carrick has been key to United and has been behind their best performances this season, with the club yet to lose a Premier League game he has started.
Indeed without the midfielder in the team the Red Devils struggle to control games and lack the cohesion he brings to the team.
United have been expected to offer Carrick a one-year-deal and it is something of a surprise an extension has not been agreed, particularly given his form this season.
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While it would be a huge surprise if Carrick were allowed to walk away for free, it is not completely out of the question particularly with the club rumoured to be ready to spend big again this summer.
The report claims Arsene Wenger is a big fan of the former England international and would welcome his experience in the middle of the park.
Arsenal have had problems in central midfield this season largely due to injuries to Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin.
Mohamed Elneny’s participation at the AFCON has also come at a bad time while Granit Xhaka has missed chunks through suspension after receiving two red cards.
The opportunity of landing Carrick on a free is surely tempting for most clubs, but at 35 he only represents a very short-term option and Arsenal really need to be aiming for players in or approaching their prime.
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