Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester United in the running to sign Portugal international Jose Fonte before the close of the summer transfer window, according to the Mirror.
The Premier League duo, who finished second and fifth in the English top-flight standings last term, have both been linked with a late move for the Southampton centre-half before deadline day on August 31.
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
The 32-year-old, who has 16 international caps for his country and starred for Portugal as they defeated hosts France to win Euro 2016 earlier this summer, was on the bench as Claude Puel’s Saints drew 1-1 against Watford on the opening weekend of the new league campaign.
Fonte, who joined Southampton from fellow top-flight rivals Crystal Palace back in 2010, scored two goals and provided one assist in all competitions last season.
The report suggests that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is now interested in luring the Portuguese star to the Emirates Stadium, however Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho is willing to offer fellow defender Marcos Rojo in part-exchange for Southampton’s skipper.