Arsenal aren’t the only Premier League heavyweight eyeing Eduardo Camavinga anymore. Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of the Real Madrid midfielder, and the Gunners now face a genuine transfer tug-of-war for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
It’s shaping up to be one of the summer’s most gripping sagas.
Real Madrid are open to selling the 23-year-old Frenchman for a fee in the region of €50m to €60m, according to The Guardian. Jose Mourinho has reportedly told Camavinga directly that regular minutes will be hard to come by next season. That conversation, first revealed by Radio Marca’s Sergio Valentin, has thrown the midfielder’s future wide open.
So where does Arsenal stand right now? And can they beat United to the punch?
Mourinho’s Cold Shoulder Changes Everything
The picture at the Bernabeu isn’t pretty for Camavinga. He made 43 appearances last season but started just 23. That inconsistency cost him a place in France’s World Cup squad, a painful blow for a player still only 23.
Mourinho’s arrival hasn’t improved things. According to reports in Spain, the Portuguese coach prioritises physical, box-to-box midfielders for his system. Camavinga doesn’t appear to fit that mould, at least not in Mourinho’s eyes.
Here’s the twist, though. Camavinga doesn’t want to go.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed as much on his YouTube channel, stating that the midfielder’s message has been consistent since May: he wants to stay and prove himself under Mourinho. But wanting to stay and being wanted are two different things entirely.
Real Madrid’s hierarchy is actively exploring exit routes, even if the player himself isn’t ready to pack his bags.
Arsenal’s Midfield Puzzle and the Guimaraes Factor
Arsenal have made midfield reinforcement a top priority this window. Mikel Arteta’s squad won the Premier League title last season and reached the Champions League final. But maintaining that level demands depth and quality in the engine room.
Bruno Guimaraes remains the primary target. Talks with Newcastle are reportedly at an advanced stage, with a verbal agreement around £75m said to be in place, per talkSPORT. The Brazilian has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners.
So why chase Camavinga too?
Simple. Arteta knows one signing might not be enough. And Camavinga offers something different:
- Versatility across midfield and left-back
- A 92% passing accuracy in La Liga last season
- Experience winning two Champions League titles before turning 24
- A profile that complements Declan Rice perfectly
The Frenchman’s ability to operate in multiple roles would give Arsenal tactical flexibility that few midfielders in Europe can match.
Man Utd’s Aggressive Push
Here’s where things get tricky. According to Fichajes, Manchester United have moved ahead of Arsenal in the Camavinga race. The Red Devils have already signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer but want a third midfielder.
United initially targeted Aurelien Tchouameni, Camavinga’s teammate, but found Real Madrid’s asking price too steep. So they’ve pivoted. Michael Carrick’s side see Camavinga as a more affordable alternative who can still deliver elite quality.
Romano revealed that United have held direct conversations with Camavinga’s representatives. And with United back in the Champions League, they can offer something that matters deeply to the player: top-level European football.
That’s a card Arsenal can play too, of course. But United’s willingness to push aggressively while Arsenal juggle the Guimaraes deal creates a real risk.
The clock is ticking. If Mourinho’s cold reception eventually breaks Camavinga’s resolve to stay, whichever club moves fastest will likely win. Arsenal can’t afford to treat this as a backup plan and respond too late.
Whether Arteta lands Guimaraes, Camavinga, or both, one thing is clear: Arsenal’s midfield will look very different by the time the window shuts. The question is whether United steal a march on one of their key targets before they get the chance.
