Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a £6m transfer swoop for Barcelona flop Martin Braithwaite – but could face competition from Chelsea.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Both Premier League giants are looking for reinforcements in attack and could potentially lock horns for the Espanyol striker ahead of deadline day on February 1, according to The Sun. Braithwaite is currently the top-scorer of the Segunda Division with 12 goals in 22 matches, and United and Chelsea are now both considering bringing him in to provide extra cover in attack.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Braithwaite is believed to have a £6 million ($7.61m) release clause in his contract, set to expire next summer, which has further made him an attractive proposition for both Chelsea and United. If Espanyol are promoted back to La Liga, he can leave as a free agent, but if they continue plying their trade in the second division next season then his release clause will be slashed to £500,000 ($634,000).
DID YOU KNOW?
Braithwaite played for Barcelona for two-and-a-half years until the 2022 season. He made 58 appearances for the Catalan club and scored 10 goals before his contract was terminated, with many fans having been opposed to his initial move to the club from Leganes in 2022.
WHAT NEXT?
Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund have been disappointing in attack for United this season, but the club cannot get another big-name signing as they are bound to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Chelsea have also blown hot and cold in attack as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa in the FA Cup after they hit Middlesbrough for six in the Carabao Cup. Mauricio Pochettino would hope that the addition of Braithwaite could bring new vigour to his forward line.
