ARSENAL have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.
The defender has impressed since returning to the Toffees in the summer from his loan spell at PSV last season.
Jarrad Branthwaite has attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester UnitedAlamy
He has helped Everton keep seven clean sheets in the Premier League, sparking interest from United who are said to be keen to sign a centre-back this month.
Arsenal are also admirers of Branthwaite according to talkSPORT, so the youngster could be the subject of a transfer tussle.
The report adds Newcastle and Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on Branthwaite, with Carlo Ancelotti previously managing the 21-year-old while at Goodison Park.
Everton could be forced to sell too due to their problems with Financial Fair Play.
The club is facing another points deduction for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules between 2021-24.
It comes after Everton received a ten-point deduction for the same charge for the three-year period between 2020-23.
The Premier League threshold permits a maximum loss of £105million across three years, but Everton recorded losses of £124.5m.
Branthwaite’s sale could ease those woes with the centre-back likely to fetch a considerable fee, possibly in the region of £100m.
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SunSport understands Arsenal are also interested in signing Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea – but could have to fend off a bid from rivals Tottenham.
While the Gunners could also battle United for the signature of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.
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