Man Utd face Real Madrid hijack threat after entering talks for Arsenal transfer target

Suraj Radia

21 Nov 2025 19:55 GMT
4 min read

Ruben Amorim, Man Utd, Real Madrid — © IMAGO

Manchester United have already held talks over a major January transfer target but they could face competition from Real Madrid, having already seen Arsenal enter the race.

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United could look to target a forward in the winter after seeing Benjamin Sesko ruled out with injury, while Bryan Mbeumo is set to head to AFCON next month with Cameroom which could see him absent until late January.

Consequently, United have been offered the chance to sign Karim Adeyemi after the Dortmund star had a falling out with manager Niko Kovac, with the player’s agent Jorge Mendes enjoying a close relationship with Ruben Amorim.

Current ETV

Karim Adeyemi

F (CR), M (R)

Dortmund

Karim Adeyemi

F (CR), M (R)

Dortmund

ETV Range

€38.9M - €47.6M

Arsenal have also considered a move for Adeyemi and some reports claim the Gunners are ahead of United in the race but Real Madrid have now also been approached by Mendes over a transfer, according to Spanish outlet Defensa Central.

However, the report states that the La Liga giants have quickly ruled out the chances of signing Adeyemi and believe the German international has ‘no place’ in their squad, nor does he represent a ‘good fit’ for the club.

Los Blancos had previously tracked Adeyemi as a youngster but his chances of a move are said to be 'downright zero’, particularly after being accused of illegal possession of firearms this week.

Adeyemi chances of January transfer fading after latest controversy

Adeyemi is considered a talented forward with explosive pace but the 23-year-old has failed to show substantial consistency during his time at Dortmund since joining them for €30 million in 2022.

© IMAGO - Karim Adeyemi has had a difficult season with Dortmund so far.

The youngster has scored three times in all competitions this season but has failed to find the back of the net in his last eight appearances and recently lost his place in Dortmund’s starting lineup.

Adeyemi’s contract is due to expire in 2027 and talks have yet to progress with Dortmund over a new deal, largely due to the player’s desire for a release clause, but a poor reaction to being substituted by Kovac recently may force him out the door in the coming months.

It remains to be seen whether United or Arsenal pursue a move for Adeyemi in January but Dortmund are open to his sale, which could pave the way for a cut-price deal if the situation doesn’t improve.

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