Manchester United Beat Arsenal to £70m Midfield Target as Lucien Agoume Agrees Six-Year Deal

Manchester United have pulled off a stunning transfer coup by hijacking Arsenal’s move for Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume, securing the Frenchman on a six-year deal worth £70 million. Reports confirm that Agoume is set to undergo his medical at Carrington today, with plans for him to be named on the bench in tomorrow’s clash against Fulham.

This dramatic twist comes after weeks of speculation linking Arsenal with the 23-year-old, who has been one of Sevilla’s standout performers in La Liga. However, Manchester United, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and manager Rúben Amorim, moved decisively to ensure Agoume would be wearing red in Manchester instead of North London.

United had originally targeted Lille’s Carlos Baleba as their prime midfield addition, but negotiations collapsed when Brighton stood firm in refusing to sell the player. With time running down in the transfer window, Amorim shifted his focus and identified Agoume as the ideal alternative. The swiftness with which United acted has left Arsenal reeling, as they believed they were close to sealing the Frenchman’s signature themselves.

For Agoume, this transfer marks another major turning point in a career that has seen him battle through difficult spells. The former Inter Milan prospect was once considered one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders, but after several frustrating loan stints, it was his move to Sevilla that reignited his development. There, he rediscovered his confidence and became a pivotal figure in the Spanish club’s midfield, attracting the attention of Europe’s elite once again.

Sources close to Sevilla suggest that United have agreed a deal worth around €40m to €45m, despite his release clause being set at €70m. Sevilla, already preparing for his departure, have begun scouting replacements, a sign that the move is all but complete. The lure of Old Trafford and a guaranteed role in Amorim’s midfield reportedly tipped the balance in United’s favour.

For Rúben Amorim, the arrival of Agoume offers a much-needed solution to a midfield puzzle that has troubled United in recent months. His preference for a disciplined, defensive-minded player to balance the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and the energy of Mason Mount became clear when he opted to start Casemiro over Kobbie Mainoo against Arsenal. With Casemiro now aging and Mainoo still developing, Agoume fits perfectly into the manager’s long-term project.

The Frenchman’s combative style, coupled with his tactical intelligence, gives United a midfield enforcer who can both break up play and initiate attacks from deep. At just 23 years old, he offers both immediate impact and long-term value, aligning with United’s renewed strategy of blending youth with experience.

This deal also carries significant symbolic weight. By beating Arsenal to a player Mikel Arteta had been keen to add, United have sent a message to their rivals that they are once again a major force in the transfer market. With INEOS backing and Amorim’s clear vision, United are determined to compete with the very best — not just on the pitch but also in the boardroom.

Fans are understandably excited about the signing. Many see Agoume as a player with the grit and determination that has often been lacking in United’s midfield battles. His presence alongside Fernandes and Mount could provide the balance needed for United to dominate games, while also protecting the backline in high-pressure matches.

If the medical goes as expected today, Agoume will officially become United’s latest signing and could make his debut against Fulham tomorrow. While he is not expected to start, the prospect of him stepping onto the Old Trafford pitch for the first time has already created a buzz among supporters.

The signing of Agoume represents more than just an addition to the squad — it represents intent. United have moved with conviction, beaten a rival, and secured a player who embodies the qualities they have been missing. Whether he proves to be the missing piece in Amorim’s puzzle remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Manchester United have made a statement, and the Premier League is paying attention.