Manchester United have moved into pole position to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, 26, after Atletico Madrid abandoned their pursuit of the Brazilian to focus on Wolves’ Joao Gomes. According to reports from TEAMtalk, the Spanish club refused to meet the €50 million (£43.2m) valuation set by the Serie A side, clearing the path for Premier League interest. While Arsenal have also made enquiries via sporting director Andrea Berta, journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Manchester United are the most advanced suitors, allegedly offering the player a net annual salary of €4.5 million on a contract running until 2031.
United’s midfield overhaul and the Casemiro factor
The pursuit of Ederson aligns with a significant transition in the Manchester United engine room. With Casemiro expected to depart this summer and the future of Manuel Ugarte also under scrutiny, United require a physical, high-volume ball-winner to partner Kobbie Mainoo. Reported interest from Old Trafford has intensified since April, with the club now prepared to leverage their financial muscle to outbid continental rivals. The €50 million asking price is viewed as market standard for a battle-tested Serie A anchor; for comparison, Aston Villa secured a similar figure when selling Douglas Luiz to Juventus. Ederson, who has two years remaining on his contract in Bergamo, made 39 appearances this season and has been a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical set-up.
Arsenal’s depth search and Atletico’s pivot
Arsenal remain in the frame, though their interest appears less urgent than that of their rivals. While Berta is a confirmed admirer, Moretto suggests the Brazilian is currently viewed as a secondary option for Mikel Arteta rather than a primary target. The Gunners are currently assessing midfield depth with Thomas Partey’s future at the Emirates uncertain, seeking a player with a high technical floor to rotate within the pivot. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s withdrawal is definitive; the Spanish side is understood to be close to a €45 million (£39m) agreement for Joao Gomes instead. This shift effectively removes the main competition for Ederson’s signature, leaving United to negotiate directly with an Atalanta board that has historically proven stubborn regarding their valuations of key first-team assets.
Official negotiations between United and Atalanta are expected to accelerate once the Premier League season concludes and the summer window opens.