According to Fichajes, Chelsea and Manchester United are set to battle for Marc-Andre ter Stegen ahead of the summer. The much-maligned Barcelona veteran is reportedly available for a transfer following the arrival of Joan Garcia, as the Premier League duo themselves are eager to sign a new No.1.
Barcelona already had two top-notch goalkeepers in the form of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny. Yet they have gone ahead with the Joan Garcia signing. The Polish stopper has reportedly committed his short-term future to the Blaugrana, and he is widely expected to be open to playing second-fiddle to the new arrival from Espanyol.
As for ter Stegen, his future is very much hanging in the balance, as Barcelona are likely to consider a sale of the German international. With the upcoming season being a World Cup year, the stopper will seek regular game time, as Garcia’s arrival in Catalonia certainly threatens that prospect.
Moreover, all is not well in the background for Marc-Andre ter Stegen at Barcelona, and while the club have not publicly stated it, they would like a sale. There were links to Chelsea and Manchester United, with either of those teams eager to bring in an experienced new No.1 to replace their current options, as the much-maligned Barcelona veteran could be a potential solution they might look at.
The German’s salary as well as the potential fee that Barcelona might demand could be an issue for either side to consider, as neither Chelsea nor Manchester United might be open to paying big for a new stopper. Hence, it remains to be seen if there is a way out for the German international out of the Catalan side, as the Premier League could be his next destination provided he assumes the No.1 role.
The option of signing Marc-Andre ter Stegen aside, the German may not be the priority choice for either Chelsea or Manchester United. The Blues could revive their interest in Mike Maignan, who they tried to sign before the Club World Cup window deadline. Fabrizio Romano has insisted the London side have not reactivated contacts, which might occur later or they move on to another target like the Barcelona veteran.
Manchester United wanted Emiliano Martinez on priority, and the Argentine is still an option for their consideration. They are tired of Andre Onana in goal and want changes to that role ahead of the new season, with other options like Andriy Lunin also on their list. Hence, ter Stegen could be a good shout for the Red Devils given he has the big experience and the need to excel ahead of the World Cup.
