Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may face a tougher battle than expected to get Sofyan Amrabat to Old Trafford after the midfielder played for Fiorentina in pre-season and then stated he was willing to reject a potential move.
The Moroccan star has emerged as a top target for a busy United manager looking to bolster his team this summer. After spending roughly £216 million in his first summer, the Red Devils are expected to spend similarly this time around.
So far, Mason Mount and Andre Onana have been added to the mix at a cost of £98 million. But Ten Hag and company are far from done, with a deal for Rasmus Hojlund expected to be confirmed soon. The Danish striker is expected to leave Atalanta for a sum in excess of £72 million.
With two Serie A acquisitions almost complete, Ten Hag now intends to complete a third in the form of Amrabat.
Ten Hag has taken notice of the 26-year-old star after an outstanding World Cup in which he led Morocco to reach the semi-finals. With a year left on his contract at Florence, a low-cost move appears to be in the cards.
To that aim, Fiorentina will not stand in his way if a €35 million (£30 million) deal is reached.
Even better, according to a source on Tuesday, Amrabat is pressing to come to Old Trafford over the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia.
However, before that deal can take place, United must focus on player sales in order to free up cash and space in their team.
To that end, both Fred and Donny van de Beek appear to be making moves away.