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Arsenal hero criticises Kroenke transfer strategy as Wan-Bissaka closes on Man Utd switch
FORMER Arsenal star Charlie Nicholas has slammed owner Stan Kroenke with Manchester United set to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Man Utd: Pundits discuss Aaron Wan-Bissaka's transfer fee
Arsenal, like Manchester United, need to strengthen their defence but one player who looks set to be plying his trade at Old Trafford rather than the Emirates next season is Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Eagles value the full-back at around £60m and this has priced the Gunners out of a move for the 21-year-old.
However, United are believed to be close to agreeing a deal with the Red Devils set to approach the south Londoners with a third bid.
Wan-Bissaka had an excellent campaign at Selhurst Park last season so it is no wonder that the Premier League’s top clubs are interested in his services.
Like United, Arsenal will not be playing Champions League football next year and their struggling defence was one of the main reasons why.
Poor performances from the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac as well as long-term injury concerns surrounding Laurent Koscielny and Hector Bellerin mean manager Unai Emery is currently in the market for defensive recruits.
One of those targets was said to be Wan-Bissaka but Arsenal will now be forced to turn their attentions elsewhere.
This news has frustrated pundit and former Gunner Nicholas who bemoaned Arsenal’s failure to move quickly.
“We’re being slow again in the market,” Nicholas said.
“The manager has identified plenty of options.
“Defensively is the key area.
"I just hope we don't delay these deals.
Manchester United should sign Wan-Bissaka says Nicol
"Arsenal need to get into the market.
“We need three defenders to come in which will cost £60-£70m.
“We can’t afford someone like Aaron Wan-Bissaka but we need a whole new defence really.”
Other defensive targets that Arsenal are said to be looking at include Roma’s Kostas Manolas, Sampdoria’s Joachim Anderson and Saint-Etienne starlet William Saliba.