Manchester United are reportedly battling with Arsenal and Liverpool over a deal to sign VfB Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch, as per Italian outlet Tutto Juve.
After starting his youth career at SV Raitersaich, the 20-year-old joined FC Nurnberg’s academy at the age of nine. Having risen through their youth system, he made his first team debut a couple of years ago.
After being impressed by the youngster’s performances in 2.Bundesliga, Stuttgart decided to purchase him in last year’s winter window. He has mainly featured as a rotational option at MHP Arena but has started all five matches across all competitions this season.
Now, Tutto Juve report that Jeltsch’s recent development hasn’t gone unnoticed as he has placed himself on the radar of several big clubs across Europe.
Man Utd, Arsenal, and Liverpool are eyeing a move for him. Apart from the English clubs, Bayern Munich and Juventus have also expressed their interest in him.
With the player’s existing deal set to run until 2030, Stuttgart aren’t in any rush to sell him but are ready to change their stance should they receive an offer of around £43m[€50m].
The Stuttgart star is a 6ft 2in tall right-footed centre-back but can also provide cover in the right-back position if needed and is comfortable with his left foot.
Battle
Jeltsch is quick, strong, comfortable playing out from the back, can carry the ball forward from deep and is efficient in defensive contributions. Notably, he likes defending front foot rather than dropping deep.
With Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez’s existing deal set to expire at the end of this season and Matthijs de Ligt struggling with fitness problems, Man Utd are seemingly planning to strengthen the centre-back position.
On the other hand, Liverpool currently have Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk and Ronald Araujo as centre-back options.
However, Leoni and Gomez have been struggling with fitness problems in recent months, while Araujo has joined on loan from Barcelona. Van Dijk, meanwhile, has reached the twilight of his career. As a result, it appears Liverpool are exploring the market to buy a new centre-back.
However, after purchasing Ezri Konsa this summer, Arsenal don’t need to buy a new defender unless anyone leaves.
Jeltsch is a talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd or Liverpool should either club purchase him.
