I am sure there is plenty of good CB's out there somewhere (or even younger) in the 24 to 27 years age bracket that both Arsenal and United are aware of. Because a side has money and is a big club it would be rare for them to just look for a short term solution to their respective problems. Surely they will not be in the habit of throwing around £11 to £15 mil on stop gap players along with wages to go with it? That would not be an investment which is usually the strategy of every club.
I could be wrong but I think in Fonte's case a lot of these rumours have come about because of his association with his agent who happens to be United managers agent too.
With some of you I almost get the impression you are almost wishing Fonte away!!
As for the supposed Arsenal interest, once again although I could be wrong, it is more likely someone stirring the pot and making 2 and 2 come to 5.
I'm not wishing him away. Just I will wish him all the best. He has been a great servant to the club. He has helped us reach 6th place in the Prem and Europe. He has inspired others around him while everyone was heaping all the praise on other players.
Similarly to Lambert even Saints fans are talking about buying his replacement and that he hasn't long left.
As for there being plenty of 24 to 27 year olds that the big boys are aware of. Of course there are. There are plenty of Phil Jones' that have had a good season inthe Prem but there aren't many players that will cost less due to their age that have had 4 consecutive seasons of peak performance in the Prem are there?
Most of the people that are talking him down seem to be the ones who are insistent he must stay as they are now insisting he is only good enough to warm the bench at Man Utd. If that is true then we should get rid of him because we need better than top club bench warmers. Which is it? Is he good enough for us or not?
I want him to stay but I won't hold it against him if he does go. He hasn't been the one that everyone notices and we all talk about his "other qualities" so he hasn't had any credible suitors like the others.
Good luck to the guy whether he is playing for Saints or someone else. He has given us lots.
As for what will Zlatan think? I am sure he will be disgusted that Man U are signing a player that has had top stats for 4 years in this division and has just improved his national sides defence to the point that they could win the Euros by defending well.