Arsenal representatives have a meeting with Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini’s agent early this week, as they consider signing the player on a free transfer, according to reports in France.

French journalist for Foot 365, Patrick Juillard, claims the two parties have an appointment “at the beginning of the week”. He points out that Fellaini’s contract in Manchester expires on June 30th, at which point the midfielder is free to leave the club for nothing.

https://twitter.com/PatrickJuillard/status/1003610092359569409

Fellaini is part of the Belgium World Cup squad travelling to Russia this summer. If Arsenal therefore want to get a deal done before pre-season, they’d have to wrap it up in the next 10 days.

With the links to Steven N’Zonzi as well, it appears Arsenal are trying to add some physicality in midfield. That said, Fellaini is pretty far down most supporters’ wish-lists.

The 30-year-old does have a reputation for being extremely physical, but without much subtlety to his game. You’re generally pretty likely to get an elbow in the face when you face up against him.

He does grab a goal or two from midfield, with seven in 27 appearances (nine starts) for club and country in 2017/18. Still, he’s not exactly the marquee signing fans hope for every summer.

We’ll see if this story develops in the coming days, or turns out to be the media winding up Arsenal fans as usual.