"Total priority to Manchester United" - Fabrizio Romano claims defender wants to join Erik ten Hag's side despite interest from other clubs
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui is intent on joining Premier League giants Manchester United. The Moroccan has been a subject of interest for fellow EPL side West Ham United and Serie A champions Inter Milan but is reportedly keen on joining the Red Devils.
Mazraoui moved to Munich from boyhood club Ajax on a free transfer in July 2022. He has been a solid squad player for the Bavarians, with a goal and eight assists in 55 appearances across all competitions.
Prior to his spell at Bayern, the 26-year-old was mentored by current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax. He was handed his senior debut by the Dutchman in the 2017-18 season.
Mazraoui bagged 10 goals and nine assists in 137 games under ten Hag, winning six trophies in five seasons and helping Ajax reach the UCL semi-final in 2019. His interest in reuniting with the 54-year-old comes as no surprise.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano claimed that United would only pursue Mazraoui's services if right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka departs the club. He said (via TBRFootball):
"First of all, Noussair Mazraoui has decided to give total priority to Manchester United. He would love to go to Man United, he wants Man United, so Mazraoui is waiting for Man United. The agreement on personal terms will not be a problem. The crucial step is what happens with Wan-Bissaka. United will only bring a new right-back in if Wan-Bissaka leaves."
"Interest from Inter is true but he would also be prepared to wait in terms of opportunities. Maybe with West Ham because Mazraoui is not going to West Ham. Between clubs the deal was advanced but with the player, it was never done because Mazraoui is giving clear priority to Man United," Romano concluded.
Manchester United have entered 'advanced talks' to sign Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui: Reports
According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have entered 'advanced talks' to sign Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui.
Plettenberg claimed that the Moroccan's move to Premier League side West Ham United was worth €15.5 million plus €4 million in add-ons. He added that the deal fell apart at the last moment due to a disagreement between the club and his agent.
The sequence of events has allowed Manchester United to swoop in and potentially hijack the transfer. They have commenced negotiations, and are said to be 'pushing' to sign Mazraoui.
As per Plettenberg, West Ham have pivoted to their secondary transfer target, claiming that they are willing to take Aaron Wan-Bissaka off United's hands. If the Englishman departs Old Trafford, the Red Devils will likely make a move for Mazraoui.