Following on from yesterday’s exploration into Celta Vigo star Oscar Mingueza and the benefits of scouring the market for free agents, we have identified another name to potentially bolster Michael Carrick’s squad.
The dogs in the street know that midfield remains the priority target for Manchester United, but with supreme talent come significant valuations.
Therein lies the benefit of recruiting shrewdly without a jaw-dropping transfer fee, and in Arthur Avom, we believe the Reds could do a lot worse.
At 21, the Cameroonian has already established himself as a mainstay for club and country, plying his weekly trade in Ligue 1 with Lorient.
And although his club holds an option to extend his stay for an additional year, as little as €10 million would be enough to secure his services this summer and beyond.
Arthur Avom is a player with obvious potential and could thrive in the Premier League.
Having played an integral role in Les Merlus’ successful drive towards a Ligue 2 title in his debut campaign, the youngster continued his fine form in securing an admirable 10th-place top-tier finish in 2025-26.
Featuring in all but five domestic fixtures due to injury, the former Fauve Azur prospect emerged as one of the standout revelations following starring performances against Marseille, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.
Primarily, Avom is a dedicated central midfielder, well-versed in progressing the football and thriving through tenacious carries, often utilising his strength to his advantage.
He ranked between the 71st and 80th percentile in progressive carries and passes, while achieving a 78th percentile ranking in forward passes across Ligue 1.
Despite turning 21 in December, he has acclimatised to his surroundings with impeccable maturity, never appearing overwhelmed against some of French football’s elite operators.
However, visually, there is so much to applaud in his game, from his composure and ability to manage press-resistance to his technical confidence in tight spaces.
In defensive transitions, the midfielder scans space with the skill of a seasoned veteran, identifying passing lanes and often becoming the fulcrum of a swift counterattack.
Make no mistake, a prospect with this ability has already been identified in Manchester and beyond; both Stade Rennais and RC Strasbourg are reportedly weighing up their summer options.
In England, I’m told that several London clubs have made enquiries, with Fulham and Chelsea furthest progressed. Additionally, Turkish giants Galatasaray have registered their intent.
Crucially, alongside leading names like Pablo Pagis, the French outfit is bracing itself for a wave of European interest, and key figures have accepted impending approaches.
“For Arthur Avom, who is also in demand and under contract with Lorient until 2027, a cheque worth at least €10m will have to be offered to Lorient to prise him away,” said Lorient president Loic Fery during an interview with Ouest-France in May.
It’s unsurprising, given his age, current ability and potential for growth.
Still, at a time when reasonably talented individuals can command as much as £70-80 million, embracing the ideals associated with Diego Leon and Cristian Orozco can go a long way on and off the field in Manchester.
That’s not to say that Jason Wilcox and co should disregard present plans and ignore marquee names. But there are undeniable benefits in looking a little further.
What are your thoughts on Arthur Avom, and would you like to see United make a move?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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