In a significant twist to the Premier League transfer market, Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi has delivered a major blow to Manchester United by expressing his desire to join their rivals, Arsenal.
United's Transfer Ambitions Dashed
Manchester United had identified the 23-year-old German international as a primary target for manager Ruben Amorim, who is seeking to bolster his attacking options ahead of next season. Club officials had already initiated contact with Adeyemi's powerful agent, Jorge Mendes, to explore the possibility of a summer transfer.
However, United's pursuit has hit a substantial roadblock. Not only have Dortmund placed a £75 million price tag on the player—a figure exceeding what United are prepared to pay—but Adeyemi himself has now made his preferences clear.
Arsenal Emerges as Preferred Destination
Sources confirm that Adeyemi has communicated to Dortmund that if he departs the German club, Arsenal is his chosen destination. This preference complicates Manchester United's strategy considerably, forcing Amorim to look at alternative striking options.
Adeyemi's current contract with Dortmund runs until 2027, but negotiations over a new deal have stalled, opening the door for a potential summer exit. The player is reportedly ready to seek a new challenge when the transfer window reopens.
Off-Field Controversy and Club Support
The transfer speculation comes amid off-field headlines for the forward. Adeyemi recently issued a public apology after being charged and fined €450,000 for possession of two illegal weapons—a knuckleduster and a taser.
In a statement posted on his Instagram, Adeyemi explained that the items arrived in an unopened 'mystery box' he had ordered online "out of carelessness" at the start of 2024. He expressed deep regret, acknowledging his role model status and promising to learn from the "huge mistake."
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has confirmed the player will face no additional club punishment and will receive the team's full support. "I am not his father, but his coach," Kovac stated. "People should put things into proper perspective. Everything has now been said about it."
With Arsenal now positioned as the frontrunner for his signature, the summer transfer window promises a compelling saga for one of Germany's most talked-about attacking talents.
