Report: Bundesliga star rejects Man United in favour of £75m Arsenal move | OneFootball

Arsenal Move Favoured as Karim Adeyemi Shifts Premier League Ambitions

Karim Adeyemi’s future has taken a decisive turn, with the Borussia Dortmund forward indicating a strong preference for Arsenal – according to The Mirror – despite sustained interest from Manchester United. The development represents a significant shift in the Premier League landscape, particularly given United’s extensive groundwork to position themselves at the front of the queue.

Rising Interest in Adeyemi

Executives at Old Trafford had been tracking Adeyemi closely, confident that a move could be engineered ahead of next season. The club engaged Jorge Mendes to assess the feasibility of an agreement, identifying the 23-year-old as a potential solution to long-term issues in the attacking line.

Ruben Amorim had also placed Adeyemi among his priority options for the next window, but the financial element quickly complicated negotiations. Dortmund value the Germany international at £75 million – a figure that exceeds what United were prepared to commit.

Those close to the situation now accept that Adeyemi’s stance has effectively ruled United out. The player has long admired the direction Arsenal have taken under their current leadership, and sources in Germany describe the Gunners as his “preferred destination” should he leave the Bundesliga this summer.

Contract Stalemate and Off-Field Headlines

Adeyemi remains under contract until 2027, yet attempts to secure an extension have stalled. Dortmund officials had hoped to find a resolution before the end of the year, but the forward is increasingly open to new opportunities and is expected to explore a move when the season concludes.

Earlier this week, Adeyemi addressed unexpected off-field scrutiny after being fined €450,000 for possessing two prohibited items. His public apology sought to draw a line under the issue, with a detailed statement posted to his social media channels:

“You have probably seen the headlines about me in the last few days. It is not easy for me to talk about this. At the beginning of 2024, out of carelessness and without really thinking about what I was doing, I ordered a so-called ‘mystery box’ on the internet. It contained items that are not permitted under weapons legislation.”

He added: “Nevertheless, it was a huge mistake. One that I am very sorry about, that cost me dearly and that I deeply regret. I know that I am in the public eye and have a role model function. I did not live up to that.”

Adeyemi emphasised that he had learned from the incident: “It hurts me all the more that I acted so recklessly. I have learned more from this than I can put into words. And I promise you that I will avoid such mistakes in the future.”

Dortmund Response and Premier League Implications

Niko Kovac was quick to draw a line under the matter, confirming that the club would issue no additional punishment and that Adeyemi remained part of his plans. “It is no reason for me to ban him for the next few weeks,” he said. “I am not his father, but his coach… The focus is clearly on the Bundesliga. He will get our full support.”

The manager’s stance ensures that Adeyemi will continue to feature prominently for Dortmund, but the growing expectation is that he will push for a move in the summer. Arsenal, who have monitored his progress since his RB Salzburg emergence, watch developments with increasing interest. United, conversely, appear to be reassessing their targets as they look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.

Adeyemi’s combination of pace, directness and versatility across the front line makes him an attractive prospect for Premier League clubs. Should Arsenal advance their interest, they would position themselves strongly given the player’s preference – though Dortmund’s valuation means negotiations are likely to be demanding.

For now, United are left to weigh alternatives while Arsenal sense an opportunity to strengthen their forward options with a player widely regarded as one of Europe’s most explosive attacking talents.