
Papers: Arsenal set to hold contract talks with Arteta
Arsenal set to hold contract talks with Mikel Arteta this summer.
Manchester United has surpassed Atletico Madrid in the pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson dos Santos. With Ederson's contract expiring next summer, Atalanta aims to sell him this year to avoid losing him for free.
Manchester United move ahead of Atletico Madrid in race for midfielder
Atalanta midfielder Ederson dos Santos has been linked with a move to La Liga for some time, and for several months of 2026, Atletico Madrid have looked like his most likely destination. Yet Manchester United now appear to have overtaken them in the race for his signature.
Ederson is out of contract next summer, and as such Atalanta are looking to sell him this year, avoiding losing him for free. The 26-year-old was a target for Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, but Sporting Director Mateu Alemany was unable to strike a deal, and subsequently brought in Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza to cover for the loss of Conor Gallagher.
As per Matteo Moretto, Manchester United have now moved ahead of Atletico in the pursuit of his signature. Los Colchoneros have been in talks with Ederson for some time, keen to move for him early, and avoid the interest of Premier League clubs, but it seems that horse has bolted.
Manchester United is looking to strengthen their midfield, and Ederson dos Santos is a valuable target due to his contract situation with Atalanta.
Manchester United's proactive approach in the transfer market and Atletico Madrid's failure to secure a deal earlier have allowed United to take the lead in the race for Ederson.
Ederson dos Santos's contract with Atalanta is set to expire next summer, prompting the club to seek a transfer this year.

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Moretto explains that Atletico have a deal agreed with Ederson on a contract for around âŹ4m per annum, but that United have now bettered that offer, and are willing to pay him âŹ4.5m per year.
Nevertheless, neither side has yet agreed a deal with Atalanta, which scuppered Atleticoâs efforts in the winter transfer window. Atalanta continue to demand âŹ45m for Ederson, but it seems neither team is willing to pay such a large sum for a player with a year left on his deal. Moretto adds that only when Atalanta reduce their asking price is Edersonâs future likely to be decided.
It seems that Atletico will have to up their offer to both in order to secure a deal. He would likely be seen as competition for Johnny Cardoso, with Pablo Barrios and Koke Resurreccion also competing for a spot in midfield.