Man Utd in race with Arsenal to sign Etta Eyong

The Cameroon international has had quite a season in the Spanish top flight, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 18 appearances.

Its progress has attracted the interest of European elites Jacobs claims United and Arsenal are among the English clubs exploring a move for the 22-year-old.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested in Eyong, who recently represented Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bigger challenge

Eyong signed for Levante from Villarreal last summer for just £2.6 million with a huge sell-on clause. He had a good start to his career with regular goal contributions, but has gone off the boil in recent months.

The striker has not scored or assisted since November, which coincided with Levante falling to the relegation places in La Liga. Regardless of their status, Eyong could face a bigger challenge next summer.

The Cameroonian has a release clause worth £26 million for Spanish clubs, but that increases to €26 million £35 million for Premier League clubs. United and Arsenal have been linked with his services, but neither is allowed to make a bid.

Arsenal are determined to win trophies regularly under Mikel Arteta and may prefer a big signing like Atletico Madrid. Julian Alvarez instead of Eyong, who has yet to find consistency at the highest level.

The same can also be said for Man United. The Red Devils already have a striker with enormous potential in Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian is still adapting to the demands of the Premier League following his summer move from RB Leipzig.

United ideally want a proven marksman who can compete with the former Leipzig man. Eyong stood out with his strong physical presence and pace on the counter-attack, but his numbers are not overly impressive.

They could improve if they move to a bigger club in the summer. The speculation between Arsenal and United could be agent-driven. His representative could be working behind the scenes to secure an elite club for him.