Arsenal join Manchester United in pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Arsenal have entered the race alongside Manchester United for the signature of Atalanta midfielder Ederson Silva, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein. The Brazilian international is widely expected to leave the Serie A club this summer, with his contract due to expire in 2027 and no sign of a renewal. Ornstein reports that suitors believe a deal can be struck for around €40 million (£35m), though Atalanta are holding out for a fee closer to €50 million (£43.5m).
Interest from the Premier League giants adds a new layer of competition for the 26-year-old, who has also been linked with Atletico Madrid. Spanish outlet Marca previously reported that Arsenal were attempting to hijack a potential move, while Ornstein confirmed the Gunners and United are among several clubs monitoring the situation. Atletico had been considered frontrunners after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Ederson on a four-year contract, but negotiations with Atalanta have stalled over the valuation gap, opening the door for others.
Ederson joined Atalanta from Salernitana in the summer of 2022 for €23 million and has since been a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini's side. In 174 appearances, he has contributed 15 goals and five assists, playing a key role in the club's Europa League triumph in 2024 and their consistent top-four finishes. His combative, box-to-box style has made him one of the most statistically proficient midfielders in Europe, according to his agent, Andre Cury.
The potential move makes strategic sense for both English clubs, albeit for slightly different reasons. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is believed to be seeking midfield reinforcement, with the potential departure of Christian Norgaard creating a vacancy. While Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and summer signing Mikel Merino provide established quality, Ederson would offer a different physical profile and depth for a demanding campaign. For Manchester United, the pursuit forms part of a broader midfield overhaul planned under their new sporting director. The club is working on a deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson as a primary target, but sources indicate a second, more cost-effective midfielder is also sought, placing Ederson and Wolves' Joao Gomes on their shortlist.
For Atalanta, a sale this summer represents the last opportunity to command a significant fee for a prized asset before his contract enters its final year. The player's agent, Cury, indicated last November that a transfer was likely in either the winter or summer window, noting that his client's contractual situation could see his price drop. With managerial uncertainty at several top clubs currently slowing the broader transfer market, Ornstein suggests Ederson's move could be one of the first major deals to be completed once the window officially opens, ahead of what is expected to be a frantic post-World Cup period.
