MIDDLESBROUGH are considering their next move after Columbus Crew rejected their initial offer for wing-back Max Arfsten.
Last week, the MLS side immediately rejected Boro’s first approach, which is thought to be in the region of £2.25 million, and have made it clear that they intend to keep the 24-year-old this summer.
However, the Northern Echo knows that Arfsten wants to go to Boro and has informed his current club of his intentions.
It’s unclear at this point whether Arfsten’s willingness to go would change Columbus Crew’s stance, although Boro are expected to return with an improved offer at some point. Arfsten is their top target at left wing-back, a position listed as a priority for strengthening between now and the transfer deadline.
Boro have already strengthened at right wing-back, with Callum Brittain, their top target in that position, joining earlier this week, but they are still without a fit natural left wing-back ahead of Saturday’s Championship opener against Swansea City.
Neto Borges is a left-sided central defender, according to manager Rob Edwards, and Alex Bangura is presently out due to a pre-season injury. Sammy Silvera impressed Edwards at left wing-back during the preseason and is expected to start against Swansea, though the head coach concedes the Australian is not a natural fit in that position. Silvera, on the other hand, has worked his way into Edwards’ plans for the coming season after appearing to be on his way out of the club at the start of the summer following two failed loan moves last season.
Arfsten has long been on Boro’s radar, having impressed the club’s recruitment squad when scouting Aidan Morris.
The USA international is a good fit for Edwards’ style of play at Boro, as the adventurous wing-back has four goals and three assists in 20 MLS appearances this season. He scored the winner for Columbus Crew in their 1-0 Leagues Cup triumph over Leon last night, his second goal in only three games this season.
Boro are not the only team to have expressed an interest in Arfsten this summer; Toulouse had a proposal rejected last month.
Arfsten has also attracted attention on the international stage, making his way into the United States squad. He’ll be anxious to continue impressing manager Mauricio Pochettino ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Boro are aiming to improve at left-back as well as buy a centre-forward before the summer window closes, with Tommy Conway in need of cover and competition.
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