Middlesbrough’s approach of roughly $3 million for Columbus Crew striker Max Arfsten was rejected, according to Tom Bogert.
Middlesbrough are hoping to improve on last season’s failure after parting parts with Michael Carrick. Rob Edwards, a former Luton Town manager, has joined Boro and will be seeking to duplicate his past promotion achievement.
However, Edwards and his team have had a difficult preseason campaign, with important players leaving and little business done.
Ben Doak and Samuel Iling-Junior returned to their original clubs following successful loan spells, while 22-year-old striker Josh Coburn joined Millwall after excelling at The Den last season.
Middlesbrough are aiming to improve their squad, and activity has increased, with Blackburn Rovers’ Callum Brittain and Hull City’s Alfie Jones joining the club, as well as Abdoulaye Kante from Ligue 2 side Troyes.
However, new target Max Arfsten is proving difficult to get.
Columbus Crew turned down a $3 million (£2.3 million) approach from Boro for the 24-year-old ace, claiming the player is not for sale.
How might Max Arfsten aid Middlesbrough?
Arfsten, a California native, would be an excellent addition to Edwards’ squad, especially given his preference for a back-five system.
Arfsten is an attack-oriented player that lets his stats speak for themselves. The Middlesbrough target has 13 goals and 12 assists in three seasons in the MLS.
Max Arfsten’s 2024/25 statistics – courtesy Transfermarkt.
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| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| MLS | 20 | 4 | 3 |
| Leagues Cup | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| CONCACAF Champions Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Edwards has attempted to improve the defence in recent weeks with Jones and Brittain, but Arfsten would give the fast-paced attacking purpose that the new head coach seeks. Boro appears to be the obvious first pick for the Columbus Crew wing-back position, while Neto Borges is the only significant challenge.
However, Sammy Silvera, who has been on loan at Blackpool since January, has impressed throughout pre-season and might start the season’s first game on Saturday.
A transitional year for Edwards and Boro?
With Columbus Crew insisting that Arfsten is not for sale, Middlesbrough may have to hunt for different targets.
Boro would need to have the same attacking presence on the left side as they will have with Brittain on the right to complement the type of play that manager Edwards prefers.
Given his preferred three-man defence with wing-backs, Edwards-ball may take some time to adopt, and finding the right players to fit his system may take longer than anticipated.
The uncertainty surrounding important man Hayden Hackney continues, but Edwards has stated that it is a “win-win” whether he stays or leaves, and that he will offer finances to complete much-needed signings by September’s deadline.
There is still plenty of time in the window, but other areas require improvement, with Boro still no closer to replacing Emmanuel Latte-Lath.
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