Arsenal and Tottenham are competing for the signing of Mason Greenwood from Marseille.

Mason Greenwood is closer to a definitive farewell to Olympique de Marseille, with the future of the English forward triggering a genuine war behind the scenes in the international market — and, contrary to expectations, Arsenal and Roma have now emerged as the main players, while Tottenham is, after all, out of the race. The player, who only two years ago swapped Manchester United for the French club in a controversial transfer valued at £26.6 million, could now bring in more than double that to Marseille’s coffers, with a price tag of €55 million set for the departure of the England international.

Greenwood, who came up through the ranks at Old Trafford, arrived at Marseille amid controversy, after the Red Devils were forced to part ways with his talent due to the scandal involving the striker — a blemish that compromised his reintegration into United’s first team. However, the English club has not completely lost control over the player’s destiny, securing a 40% clause on any future sale, which now has United keeping a close eye on the outcome of this saga.

The French press reported this week that AS Roma has already reached an agreement with Greenwood regarding the personal terms of the contract, with only the understanding between the clubs remaining. However, the newspaper L’Équipe added fuel to the fire by stating that the Englishman “is not short of suitors: AS Roma, Arsenal, Tottenham.” This scenario promised a heated battle between top clubs from England and Italy, but moments later, transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano poured cold water on the speculation: “Tottenham is not working on any deal to sign Mason Greenwood, despite the rumors.” In other words, the much-anticipated clash between the North London rivals may not even take place.

The importance of this deal goes far beyond the simple transfer of a player. For Manchester United, every million secured represents vital ammunition for the reconstruction of the squad under the INEOS era, especially in a season where the Red Devils want to return to the top of English and European football. The potential revenue could be decisive for the club’s ambitious plans in the summer market, ensuring liquidity to pursue other priority targets. On the other hand, for Marseille, this sale represents the consolidation of an asset appreciation strategy, while also allowing for reinforcements in other positions of the squad.

Amidst all this turmoil, the pressure on AS Roma significantly increases. The mere presence of Arsenal, even if they do not submit a formal proposal, could force the Italian club to raise their offer and align with the value demanded by Marseille, under the threat of losing a strategic target for their attack. The Roma coach has already made it clear to the management that Greenwood is a priority reinforcement, while Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, remains discreet but attentive to the unfolding of negotiations.

Fabrizio Romano clarified through his social media that “Tottenham is not working on any deal to sign Mason Greenwood,” thus tempering expectations of a London showdown. This statement comes at a time when international media were fueling the possibility of a direct confrontation between Arsenal and Tottenham for the English forward, a scenario that now seems ruled out.

What is at stake is much more than the future of a player: it is the confirmation that Greenwood, at 22 years old, continues to divide opinions and attract the interest of the biggest European clubs, despite his troubled recent past. Should Roma and Arsenal engage in a standoff, Greenwood’s transfer could become one of the most high-profile sagas of the summer of 2024, with the potential to influence the balance of power in both Serie A and the Premier League.

Next week will be decisive. With the transfer market set to open and Marseille determined to close a deal quickly, Arsenal and Roma will have to show their cards. Manchester United, for its part, is waiting with anticipation, aware that this deal could be the financial boost it needs to rebuild the squad and compete for titles again. Everything indicates that Greenwood’s fate will be decided in a fierce behind-the-scenes battle, where every detail could make a difference—and where European football will be watching all developments closely.

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