Manchester United have been left fuming after Arsenal swooped in to sign Turkish international goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in a dramatic late transfer window move.
The Red Devils had been tracking the Fenerbahce shot-stopper for months, viewing him as a potential long-term replacement for David de Gea. However, Arsenal's surprise intervention has scuppered United's plans, leaving Erik ten Hag's side scrambling for alternatives.
Transfer Drama Unfolds
Sources close to Old Trafford reveal that United officials are incandescent with rage at how the deal unfolded. The club believed they had a clear path to sign the 25-year-old, only for Arsenal to hijack the move at the eleventh hour.
Bayindir, who has earned 10 caps for Turkey, was seen as an ideal candidate to provide competition for Andre Onana at United. His impressive performances in the Turkish Süper Lig had caught the eye of several European clubs.
Arsenal's Clever Move
Mikel Arteta's side moved swiftly to secure the goalkeeper's signature, offering more favourable terms than their Manchester rivals. The Gunners were reportedly able to promise Bayindir more first-team opportunities, a factor that ultimately swayed his decision.
This transfer blow comes at a particularly sensitive time for United, who have endured a difficult start to the Premier League season. The failure to land their top goalkeeping target will only increase pressure on the club's recruitment team.
What Next for United?
With the transfer window now closed, United must look to their existing squad to solve their goalkeeping concerns. The club may now be forced to:
- Accelerate Tom Heaton's return from injury
- Give more opportunities to academy graduate Matej Kovar
- Reassess their options in the January transfer window
This latest transfer saga highlights the growing competition between these two historic rivals, with Arsenal appearing to gain the upper hand in this particular battle.
