Manchester United hope it’s third time lucky for January target

Manchester United are preparing to make a third move to sign Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, claims The Daily Mirror.

Ramsey has entered the final 12 months of his current Arsenal deal and the Gunners have pulled the plug on talks with the midfielder.

The Wales international confirmed earlier this week that he has no intention of leaving Arsenal in January but Jose Mourinho wants United to test Arsenal’s resolve.

Rather than lose Ramsey for nothing, Arsenal may look to cash in on Ramsey in January despite the midfielder’s desire to see out the campaign with the Gunners.

United were confident of landing Ramsey from Cardiff in 2008 only to miss out on his signature to Arsenal and made a second attempt to sign the 27-year-old last summer.

Mourinho’s side signed Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January this year and are now aiming to complete their second raid of Arsenal in the space of 12 months.

After wanting to build his Arsenal midfield around Ramsey, Unai Emery is thought to have been pivotal in convincing the board to walk away from contract negotiations.

Since the start of last season, only Alexandre Lacazette (24) has played a direct hand in more Premier League goals for Arsenal than Ramsey (19).