Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Marseille’s prodigal young attacking midfielder Florian Thauvin, reports French source La Provence.
The talented midfielder, who can play a variety of positions, has emerged as one of Europe’s hottest prospects following a string of promising displays for his Ligue 1 club.
But according to British tabloid The Daily Star, Chelsea and Arsenal are also targeting Thauvin, who actually joined Marseille this summer for £15m.
The 20-year-old has predominantly played as an attacking right midfielder for his French side this term. He can play anywhere in the attacking midfield positions, and his future could eventually be as a central no.10.
Thauvin is an expert dribbler, thanks to his excellent close control and consistently good first touch. He’s quick, too – making him a serious handful for an opposition fullback when he’s on his game.
He doesn’t pass too much, and only averages 21 per game this term. Instead, Thauvin prefers to line up his opposing player in a one-on-one situation, where he’s capable of beating them down the line or inside.
The youngster has scored six, and assisted three more in all competitions. He’s made 16 starts for Marseille, where he averages nearly two dribbles per game. Thauvin also completes nearly 80% of his passes, although his defensive contribution is virtually non-existent.
But it seems implausible that Chelsea are truly interested in signing another attacking midfielder, when they have the likes of Juan Mata, Andre Schurrle and Kevin De Bruyne already struggling to get a game.
Arsenal similarly have strong attacking midfield options, but Arsene Wenger has shown in the past he is not afraid to buy young French talent.
Manchester United currently play Antonio Valencia on the right, and although the Ecuadorian was impressive last time out against Aston Villa, questions have been raised about his long term future at the club.
[Fanatix]