Mary Earps transfer situation explained as Man Utd risk losing star to Arsenal
Mary Earps ’ future at Manchester United has been plunged into further uncertainty, with the England No.1 intently eyeing up the exit door before the summer transfer window closes next week.
The 30-year-old cemented her place in the pantheon of women’s goalkeepers following her displays at the summer’s World Cup as she helped the Lionesses to an historic berth in the tournament’s final.
Her exploits – which included becoming only the second goalkeeper, men's or women's, in tournament history to save a penalty in regular time of the final – earned her the tournament’s Golden Glove award, the unofficial title as the world’s best and a nomination for this year's Ballon d'Or.
They also earned her a world-record bid for a women’s goalkeeper from Women’s Super League rivals Arsenal last week, stoking the rumours that Earps could be the latest high-profile departure for Marc Skinner and Manchester United this summer.
Bid rejected
United’s message to Arsenal’s bid for Earps was firm: Earps is not for sale.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
Understandably so. Last season, Earps proved an indomitable force between the sticks for United as they pushed reigning champions Chelsea to the brink in the league and FA Cup. She won the league’s Golden Glove award ahead of Arsenal’s Manuela Zinsberger, conceding only 12 goals in 22 games with 14 clean sheets to her name.
She also became the first WSL goalkeeper to keep 50 clean sheets across the league.
However, despite ongoing talks and contract offers from United, sources suggest that Earps is increasingly viewing a departure from the club as ideal, with Arsenal her preference.
Ongoing contract saga
United’s recent track record in losing top talent for nothing is deeply concerning for fans anxiously watching the latest contract saga play out.
The club have been engaged in contract negotiations with Earps since the culmination of last summer’s European Championships.
Earps’ current contract was due to expire at the end of June. United triggered an option to extend her deal by one year. While a contract extension is obviously what United want, the two parties remain at loggerheads over the details.
The creeping sense of deja vu is difficult to ignore when considering Earps’ situation. Both Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle cited turgid and protracted contract negotiations as reasoning for their departures on free transfers from the club this summer.
Mary Earps of England saves a penalty taken by Jennifer Hermoso of Spain during the Women's World Cup final (Getty Images)What has Earps said
The usually vocal Earps has remained conspicuously tight-lipped over her future with the Red Devils, though she has made clear that her ambitions are to play in the Champions League and continue challenging domestically.
Since her strong World Cup campaign, interest has climbed for Earps from a number of Champions League clubs as her contract continues to run out.
Whether Earps believes her ambitions are shared with those of United’s hierarchy remains to be seen. United’s transfer activity this summer has been modest but promising, with the addition of the summer’s Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa and Brazil international Geyse.
Man Utd boss Skinner sends firm message to Arsenal over Russo contract saga
However, Arsenal too have bolstered with the additions of Canada’s Cloe Lacasse, Sweden’s Amanda Ilestedt and World Cup winner Laia Codina, while the injured Beth Mead is set to return imminently.
Earps spoke earlier this year regarding her ongoing contract situation, saying: “I think it's a little uncertain and I think it's something that's evolving. The conversations [with United] are happening so we'll have to see how it pans out.
"I want to play football and that's kind of how I feel so we'll just have to see how everything unfolds, I think. Time will tell with that one.”
United’s position
While United don’t want to lose another high-profile player for nothing, refusing a transfer for Earps against her will could backfire for a team pushing to establish themselves amid the domestic and European elite.
Earps is known for her vocal and often bullish leadership style, and there is always the worry that leaving the player feeling aggrieved could engender a negative dressing room atmosphere.
Securing Champions League football this season was believed to be a critical step forward in keeping Earps at the club.
If United are to make a profit off Earps, the club need to act swiftly. Earps could sign a pre-contract agreement as early as January 1 for the summer if she departs for an international club. Any domestic move would have to wait until next summer.
A list of viable candidates to replace Earps is inevitably slim, but West Ham's Mackenzie Arnold is a possibility. The Australia goalkeeper was in fine form for the co-hosts Down Under and was largely the difference in keeping the Hammers safe from relegation after a disastrous second-half of the season.
Arnold's contract runs out next summer after the keeper signed a one-year extension at the start of last season. West Ham have seemingly prepared for the threat of Arnold's departure this summer with two of their four recruits being goalkeepers.
Arsenal’s position
Arsenal have made only one bid for the goalkeeper, and while their pursuit of former United striker Alessia Russo was relentless, it is believed that the current pursuit of Earps is less so.
The Gunners boast two top goalkeepers amid their ranks in Zinsberger, 27, and spring signing Sabrina D’Angelo, 30.
Earps would have to fight for the No 1 shirt if a move to Arsenal materialises, though there is very little in the way to suggest that Earps could not stake her claim or perhaps even enjoy the internal competition.
Whether Arsenal make another bid for Earps before the deadline remains to be seen, though Earps could force United’s hand in selling up if the threat of losing another big player for nothing becomes more likely.
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