Manchester United are said to be interested in the Brazilian full-back.
According to a report from Tutto Mercato Web, Manchester United want to sign Corinthians defender Guilherme Arana and have held talks with the player’s agent in a bid to secure a deal for the talented teenager.
United could do with defensive reinforcements, but Arana is a left-back rather than a centre-back, and if United do bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford it could raise questions over Luke Shaw’s future.
After all, Jose Mourinho already has one talented young left-back on his books in the form of the England international, while Daley Blind is more than capable of occupying that role. So if Arana does arrive, could it signal the end for Shaw?
As bizarre as that may sound, Mourinho’s relationship with the former Southampton player has come under scrutiny in recent weeks and Shaw has been openly criticised by his manager on more than one occasion, be it for tactical awareness or fitness issues.
In truth Shaw does not deserve the criticism. He is a supremely talented young footballer who is still learning the game at the top level and the horror injury sustained earlier in his career was always going to ensure he only plays when he is fully confident of his fitness.
What should also be stated is that Arana could struggle to earn a work permit from the outset, meaning that even if United do sign the player he may have to spend at least one full season out on loan.
That would ease the pressure on Shaw and give him more time to convince Mourinho that he is the long-term solution for United at left-back.
Still, Arana is unlikely to sign for United if he is only going to be third-choice left-back so something may have to give if and when he does finally arrive at Old Trafford.
Alternatively of course, the Brazilian could offer the competition Shaw needs to reach the level his fans believe is his for the taking, so watch this space…
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