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Real Madrid working on deal for Arsenal-linked Manchester United kid

Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign JJ Gabriel from Manchester United, with overseas clubs seemingly leading the race amid interest from Arsenal.

manchester united v crystal palace fa youth cup 2
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The news that Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has requested to terminate his contract sparked some interest in Arsenal circles, given the Gunners have a long-standing interest in the 15-year-old winger.

But The Athletic report that several European clubs are working on a deal for the player, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich.

The Athletic add that United have no intention of granting Gabriel’s request to terminate his contract, but there are suggestions they may find it difficult to stop him leaving for Europe once he turns 16 on October 6th.

Yet that could be damaging for Arsenal’s pursuit, as the Gunners wouldn’t be able to compete with the European teams if Gabriel’s de-registration depends on him leaving the country.

JJ Gabriel of Manchester United is pictured before the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Matt Law had broken the news for The Telegraph on Tuesday that Gabriel was pushing to leave United, hoping to become a free agent. At the time, Law suggested the player wasn’t immediately in line to join another club.

The article noted that Manchester United didn’t include Gabriel in their Champions League squad for this season, in contrast to Arsenal, who included Max Dowman last year.

Dowman also earned significant minutes in pre-season, with Gabriel getting just 13 minutes with United, and the Arsenal youngster got a start in the League Cup on Tuesday – scoring twice.

Max Dowman of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Ipswich Town and Arsenal at Portman Road on September 15, 2026 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Reports suggest United were planning to include Gabriel in Wednesday’s League Cup squad to face Brighton, but that’s no longer the case. The relationship between player and club is significantly damaged, and United are running out of time to salvage the situation.

JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their first goal during the FA Youth Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on April 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
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