Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Fonte

Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United in their bid to sign José Fonte from Southampton, according to reports.

ESPN FC is reporting that Manchester United have begun informal talks with Southampton over a move to sign their veteran defender and captain José Fonte.

United manager José Mourinho is keen to add an experienced defender to his squad before the transfer window closes, and 32-year-old Fonte is regarded as an option.

However, Arsenal could rival United in their bid for the Southampton man. The Gunners are desperate for defensive reinforcements amid an injury crisis that has seen both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista ruled out with long term injuries.

Arsenal are known to be interested in signing Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia, however, recent reports suggest that talks between the two clubs have stalled, with the Gunners seemingly unwilling to meet the Spanish club’s £30 million valuation of the Germany international.

Fonte, at 32, would represent a cheaper alternative and could be acquired for around £12 million.

The Portuguese defender was a vital part of his nation’s historic UEFA European Championship success in France recently, and has been a key figure in Southampton’s rise from League One to the Premier League since joining the Saints from Crystal Palace in 2008.

It is thought that, at this stage of his career, Fonte would jump at the chance to play for one for England’s elite clubs.