Hummels latest: Arsenal join Man United in battle for defender as Dortmund stand firm

Posted Wednesday, August 13, 2014 by Talksport.co.uk

It was only a matter of weeks ago that Manchester United's chances of landing Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels this summer were seemingly ended, when boss Jurgen Klopp took to the airwaves to state that the player was going nowhere.

With the end of the transfer window in sight, however, it seems the defender's future is once again up in the air, with United and surprisingly Arsenal touted with staging sizable moves. But could a transfer really be on the cards? Here's the latest…

Arsenal and Man United wage war

Sport Bild say that Man United have rekindled their interest in Hummels, after the Red Devils missed out on Thomas Vermaelen. But it looks as though they aren't alone in chasing the Dortmund man, with the publication claiming that Arsenal are ready to throw their hat in the ring, by reinvesting their transfer fee in a move of their own. They claim that the Gunners are likely to offer around €32m, although this will not be enough to tempt Dortmund into a sale.

Comfortable at Dortmund

Dortmund have made a hugely symbolic gesture underlining their stance over Hummels' future by naming the German international as club captain for the forthcoming season. As Bundesliga expert Jonathan Harding told talkSPORT, this shows just how comfortable he is at the club.

Going nowhere

Alongside appointing Hummels as his captain for the new season, Dortmund boss has reiterated his stance by telling Manchester United "he is going nowhere". As reported by the Guardian, the club's boss said following the pre-season defeat to Liverpool that the defender is staying in Westfalia for the time being.

Price rising

German outlet Focus report that Man United are prepared to raise their offer for Hummels again – this time to around €37.5m – in a bid to force Dortmund’s hand, but with Arsenal lurking, it could still descend into a war between the two Premier League giants.