Ben Jacobs: Man utd confident of beating Arsenal to sign 'fantastic' midfield talent

Manchester United face a clear midfield void after Casemiro’s exit, and Michael Carrick has warned more signings are required; Ben Jacobs says the club are confident they can outbid Arsenal to secure Leicester City’s 18‑year‑old Louis Page, a ‘fantastic’ talent praised for his vision and work‑rate.

Midfield Gap After Casemiro

Midfield had been the priority heading into the summer following Casemiro's departure, and United have already added Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow to the first‑team squad. Michael Carrick insisted this week that United needed more signings, a sentiment echoed by fans frustrated by the lack of business from INEOS since July.

Louis Page Emerges as Target

Louis Page, the 18‑year‑old left‑footed central midfielder, has made 22 senior appearances for Leicester City and earned three caps for England U19, winning the Championship Apprentice of the Season award at the 2026 EFL Awards. Former Foxes boss Marti Cifuentes said, “I’m sure I said from day one that Louis [Page] will be an important player for this Club.”

Final Steps Before Window Closes

Jacobs revealed on the latest episode of GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast that United are growing in confidence despite Arsenal’s interest, stating, “The youngster (Louis) Page from Leicester City, that's heading in a positive direction for Man United.” He added that fans can still expect a couple of signings before the window shuts.

High‑profile names such as Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni and AS Roma's Manu Koné were on United’s shortlist but appear unlikely to join, leaving English prospects as the next arrivals.

Other youth arrivals this summer include Ayden Heaven, who impressed after moving from Arsenal in February 2025, Tynan Thompson on an £8m package deal from Tottenham Hotspur, free‑signing goalkeeper Kit Margetson from Swansea City, and Colombian attacker Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF.

The transfer window closes in just over a week, and United supporters remain eager for INEOS to add proven names while trusting the club’s long‑term strategy of building around promising youngsters.