Mats Hummels Prefers Arsenal Over Manchester United as Search for Defender Heigthens

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in the form of Mats Hummels who reportedly prefers a move to north London over Manchester United, according to the Sunday Mirror.

Both Premier League clubs are desperate to add to their backlines in January owing to a lack of cover, and Hummels gives them a long-term option to secure their defences. The defender is valued at £30m and is expected to attract bids from Arsenal and United in the upcoming transfer window.

The situation has been made more viable owing to the current situation in Borussia Dortmund, who are currently in the relegation zone after a sordid start to the season. The German international may be coerced into looking at other options should Dortmund fail to recover and find themselves likely to miss out on the Champions League next season.

Louis van Gaal is a huge fan of the defender, having managed him during his time at Bayern Munich, while Arsene Wenger is looking to groom a German core alongside his British contingent at the Emirates. The Frenchman has confirmed what seems to be a long-term injury for Laurent Koscielny which may see him out of action for more than a month, making him unavailable for their clash against United after the international break.

"He has not started running outside, so you cannot think he will be available in two weeks. He will not be available for three or four weeks," Wenger said.

Answering to if the defender needed surgery, he added, "There is no need for surgery. His Achilles on the scans are quite good. It's just inflammation. You miss him every time you concede a stupid goal. You think, 'Oh, if he was there,' but we have conceded some with him as well. Could we have stopped goals without him? I say yes."