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Manchester United are set for a fierce transfer battle with Arsenal and Chelsea for the signature of Alvaro Carreras, as Real Madrid have reportedly set their asking price for the 23-year-old defender.

The Red Devils are prioritising a major revamp of their midfield this summer. They have already finalised a £39 million deal for Ederson, marking Michael Carrick’s first signing as manager, while talks continue to secure Mateus Fernandes as the next addition.

However, strengthening the left flank is also a key focus, with recruitment targets identified both at left-back and on the wing. The final choice will depend on Carrick and his coaching staff’s assessment of Patrick Dorgu’s long-term role in the team.

If the 21-year-old Denmark international continues in his advanced position next season—where he has impressed greatly—it would leave Luke Shaw as the only senior left-back in the squad.

Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is believed to be the leading target to provide competition for the 30-year-old Englishman. Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has also caught United’s eye, though both potential deals are expected to be expensive and complicated, with neither club keen to sell to their Premier League rivals.

As a result, United have turned their attention to options in Europe. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde are both under consideration. However, Brown has already agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, while Balde is determined to fight for his place at Camp Nou.

In a surprising twist, Carreras—Real Madrid’s 23-year-old left-back and a former United player—could now be available after the Spanish giants agreed a £52 million deal to sign Chelsea and Spain international Marc Cucurella.

United are said to be “internally exploring” the possibility of re-signing Carreras, two years after selling the Ferrol-born defender to SL Benfica for £7.8 million, a deal that included a 20% sell-on clause.

That clause proved profitable last summer when Carreras’s outstanding debut season in Portugal prompted Real Madrid to make a €50 million (£43 million) move, earning United around £8.7 million in windfall revenue.

With Cucurella expected to become Jose Mourinho’s first-choice left-back at the Santiago Bernabeu, Carreras is reportedly open to leaving in search of regular first-team football, attracting renewed interest from England.

Arsenal and Chelsea have joined United in their pursuit of the Real Madrid defender. Reports from Sports Boom suggest Chelsea are “seriously considering” Carreras as Cucurella’s replacement.

Xabi Alonso, who originally brought Carreras to Madrid, is now managing Chelsea, and the opportunity to reunite with his former player “gives the Blues a significant edge over their competition.”

Both Arsenal and United are said to be “closely monitoring the player’s situation,” although none of the three clubs have submitted a formal offer yet.

Real Madrid are reportedly seeking to “recoup the €50 million they paid for Carreras,” making him a more affordable target compared to Hall or Lewis-Skelly. Mourinho is believed to have approved the player’s exit “after holding talks with former coach Alvaro Arbeloa.”