KEY POINTS

  • Red Devils, Gunners and Tottenham monitoring Plea
  • Plea likely to be sold by Borussia Moenchengladbach
  • Plea could be backup to the three team's original targets

Alassane Plea of Borussia Monchengladbach is someone who could be available by the next transfer window and at least three teams are keeping tabs. Manchester United, Arsenal FC and Tottenham FC are interested in taking in the 27-year-old striker who could be sold due to the financial issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several teams are scouting the French football player who has carved out an impressive performance this season. He has scored nine goals this season, the last of which was against Eintracht Frankfurt. Gladbach's set asking price is between $38 to $43 million, BILD reported.

The interest in the 27-year-old forward hardly comes as a surprise. When he moved to Gladbach back in 2018, Plea was already handed offers by different teams from England. And it appears that he will be getting some more soon, offers that will more likely be larger this time around.

Plea becomes the latest name linked to United. In a previous report, the name of Raul Jimenez was mentioned as a possible target. But similar to the case of Plea, Jimenez also has his share of suitors. Aside from United, Juventus is also inquiring about the Mexican striker. Wolverhampton wants $41 million for Jimenez, figures that are not that far from what Gladbach is asking for Plea.

After shelving plans to absorb Odion Ighalo, it appears United is exploring other options. With management aware of the financial hit the club will be getting, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may be skimming the market for reasonably priced but younger alternatives. This is despite the potential return of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba from injury. Both are speculated to be ready to play once (and if) the season restarts.

On the part of Arsenal, the interest in Plea could be a backup in case their original target does not materialize. In a previous post, the Gunners were in hot pursuit of Willian of Chelsea, someone who wants a three-year deal. But with the Blues reportedly bent on keeping the Brazilian, Plea could be their plan B. If these do fall into place, the Gunners could end up getting someone younger. Willian is already 31-years-old.

Alassane Plea of Borussia Moenchengladbach
Alassane Plea of Borussia Moenchengladbach Getty Images | Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images