Manchester United are leading Arsenal in the race to sign 22-year old midfielder

Journalist Jonathan Johnson claims that when it comes to the competition to sign Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram during the upcoming transfer window, Manchester United have a significant edge over Arsenal.

The Frenchman has been a vital member of Nice’s midfield, but at the end of the season, he is expected to leave the French club to sign for a bigger team.

According to Johnson, Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a minority ownership in the team, giving the Red Devils an advantage over Arsenal in their pursuit of his signature.

He told Caught Offside: “Arsenal are the latest club to be linked with Khephren Thuram as he continues to shine at Nice. He’s obviously someone who’s been of interest to a number of top European sides for some time, most notably Liverpool.”

“One thing that complicates a potential move to the Premier League now, however, is the link between Nice’s ownership INEOS and Manchester United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has purchased a minority stake there which is expected to grow in the coming years.

“So, now I think if there’s any interest in top talent at Nice, like Thuram, or like Jean-Clair Todibo, you’d probably expect them to go to Manchester United before you’d expect them to go to the likes of an Arsenal or a Liverpool.”

More than any other team, United may directly gain from Ratcliffe’s ownership of Nice. Liverpool are one of the Premier League teams that have been keeping an eye on Thuram.

The Frenchman can play a variety of midfield positions. He began as a defensive midfielder and eventually switched to a centre role. In a 4-4-2 system, he has recently featured on the left side.

Thuram has excelled with his distribution, ability to win duels and ability to retrieve the ball despite changing positions.

With possible departure of Sofyan Amrabat, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in the summer transfer window, a move for Thuram makes complete sense.