Man United and Arsenal target Sofyan Amrabat claims ‘it would be nice to play in the Premier League’

Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat has fuelled the speculation that he could be on the move to a top English club this summer, claiming ‘it would be nice to play in the the Premier League’.

Amrabat shot to prominence late last year when he was a key part of Morocco’s memorable run to the World Cup semi-finals as they became the first ever African side to reach the final four of the tournament, playing every minute in Qatar.

The midfielder was widely regarded as one of the breakout stars of the World Cup and has attracted interest from several top European clubs since.

In January, Amrabat was touted for a move to Chelsea and Liverpool and more recently, he has been linked with Manchester United, Barcelona and even Arsenal.

The Catalan giants had reportedly lined him up as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Sergio Busquets who is preparing to leave the club this summer following 15 years and more than 700 appearances.

Sofyan Amrabat has fuelled speculation over a move to a top Premier League club this summer

The Fiorentina midfielder shot to prominence with Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar last year

However, it has emerged that Manchester United are also keen on him as they see him as a cheaper alternative to another target, Declan Rice, as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his midfield options this summer. 

Amrabat is set to face Rice in Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against West Ham, with the battle between the two dynamic midfielders seen as a key factor in where the tie will be decided.

And speaking ahead of that mouthwatering clash, the 26-year-old opened the door for a potential move to England.

‘Of course, the Premier League is a fantastic league, one of the strongest in the world,’ Amrabat said.

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‘It would be nice to play there one day, but it’s not that I want only to go to England, because Spain is nice, Serie A is a nice league.

‘Football has changed a lot, it’s more physical, you have more to be an athlete, the tempo and intensity is higher. 

‘Of course, in England the intensity is very high, so I think it could suit me.’

His brother, Nordin – who played for Watford between 2016-2018 and now plies his trade for AEK Athens – ramped up interest in the midfielder following the World Cup, claiming the top clubs in Europe had finally realised how good he was. 

‘I am really incredibly proud of Sofyan,’ he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf in December.

‘When you play so well on such a stage – in three matches against countries like Croatia, Belgium and Canada – you have a lot going for you.

He is set to face West Ham in the Europa Conference League final in Prague on Wednesday, with his battle in midfield against Declan Rice likely to be a deciding factor in the game

Amrabat claimed ‘it would be nice to play in the Premier League one day’ and felt that his style would be perfectly suited to English football

‘I think the top clubs in Europe who have been sleeping have now woken up. In January (2022), Sofyan himself was already in talks with Tottenham Hotspur, but there was no agreement on the transfer fee with Fiorentina. 

‘I think the interested parties will now line up.’

Fiorentina pose several dangers to the Hammers after coming eighth in Serie A, while they pushed Inter Milan all the way in the Coppa Italia final, losing 2-1.

The two teams will face off at the Eden Arena in Prague – home of Slavia Prague – with kick off at 8PM.