According to Johnson, the fact that there is now the INEOS relationship between Nice and Manchester United could be detrimental to Arsenal on account of the fact that they have reportedly shown interest in signing Thuram throughout the summer.
Thomas Partey is getting older and more prone to injuries, and the Gunners could use someone like Thuram as a long-term replacement for him. However, it appears that they would likely run into problems if the Red Devils decided that they also wanted the player, and if he was also tempted by the offer that was on the table from him at Old Trafford.
Johnson anticipates that players such as Thuram and Jean-Clair Todibo will likely be rejected by United before clubs like as Arsenal have the opportunity to sign them in the future. This is despite the fact that none of this is guaranteed.
While discussing the recent rumours that Khephren Thuram is being connected to Arsenal, Johnson stated, “Arsenal are the latest club to be linked with Khephren Thuram as he continues to prove himself at Nice.” It is readily apparent that a number of the most prestigious clubs in Europe, most notably Liverpool, have been interested in him for a considerable amount of time.
“One thing that complicates a potential move to the Premier League presently is the link between Nice’s ownership INEOS and Manchester United under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe has purchased a minority investment in Manchester United, and it is anticipated that this stake will grow in the years to come.
“So, now I think that if there is any interest in top talent at Nice, like Thuram or like Jean-Clair Todibo, you would probably expect them to go to Manchester United before you would expect them to go to the likes of Arsenal or Liverpool,” said the player.When I think about Nice’s performance this season, I believe that they are still performing well in Ligue 1 and will be excited about their chances of making it into the Champions League. I can absolutely understand why Arsenal is taking an interest in Thuram’s situation, and they are not the only ones doing that.
If Nice were to qualify for the Champions League, the situation would become somewhat more complicated in terms of the asking price. However, there is also the possibility that Thuram may benefit from the experience he gains in the competition, which would also assist him in continuing his growth in France.
“There is definitely interest in him, with PSG being another name that has looked at him in the past, so he is one to watch, but the ownership link now probably puts Man United in the strongest position, assuming that they do qualify for Europe and can offer him a better overall wage package than he is enjoying at Nice,” said the manager of the club.
