Not Griezmann – Man United Held Discussions To Sign French Forward
Reuters / Jason Cairnduff
Manchester United have a formidable attacking arsenal on their roster. Apart from Romelu Lukaku, whose goal-scoring knack in the Premier League is consistently brilliant, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is yet to start firing goals into the back of the net.
This is in addition to the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who are young strikers progressing towards perfection. However, there was another talent who the club desired as well.
As per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), United held discussions with Celtic over the potential transfer of their talented striker Moussa Dembélé. One of the clubs finest talents, and one that the Scottish side managed to keep this season, Dembélé attracted interest from all over Europe.
With four goals in eight appearances so far, his performance was on show yet again against PSG in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. During the 7-1 thrashing, the Frenchman provided the Scottish side’s sole goal in the very first minute itself.
The 21-year old was reportedly pursued by United in the past, and it must have been the purchase of Lukaku earlier this summer that put an end to the urgency of the deal. But the same source did maintain that the negotiations went on until the end of the transfer window.
However, if this summer’s business was any indication, the young Frenchman wouldn’t have come cheap. Besides, after the end of Red Devils’ pursuit, he might have already found another party of interest, in the form of PSG.
Alphonse Areola, the Parisian club’s goalkeeper, seemed to imply this when he revealed: “I knew him at the training center, even though I am a little older. He does very beautiful things, he has the quality. We are very happy when a young Parisian succeeds.”
It will be interesting to see where in Europe he shall render his services in the future, as his talents certainly demand a grander stage.
Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.