Middlesbrough have failed in their initial attempt to sign wing-back Max Arfsten as Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew have rejected a bid from the Championship side.
Reports at the start of August revealed that Rob Edwards’ side have tabled a £2.25 million bid for the 24-year-old as they look for new full-back options this summer. Callum Brittain joined from Blackburn Rovers after weeks of speculation, replacing Anfernee Dijksteel after his contract expired at the end of last season under Michael Carrick.
Bid Turned Down
According to MLS journalist Tom Bogert, Columbus Crew have rejected Middlesbrough’s approach for Arfsten, who can play on either flank but primarily as a left wing-back for the Ohio side. Arriving at the club in 2023, he has 85 appearances to his name and has been a standout within the league, making the MLS All-Stars side this summer. He has already been recognised by his national team, playing 10 times for the United States since the turn of the year.
It is believed that Columbus are not willing to sell their star player this window, a stance they have held firm after Ligue 1 side Toulouse also had an offer rejected earlier in the summer. This may cause Edwards to look elsewhere for a potential new signing with Alex Bangura and Neto Borges his current available on the left-hand side of the defence, with the latter being the preferred option for Carrick last season.
Middlesbrough open their season at home to Swansea City this weekend for the former Luton Town manager’s competitive debut in charge of the Teesside club. They head into that game off of a tough pre-season campaign with draws to Mansfield Town, Rangers and Hartlepool United alongside a loss away at Bradford City.
Writers’ View
Rob Edwards’ successes at Luton came with a back-five formation so a move for a wing-back like Max Arfsten clearly hints that he would like to shift Middlesbrough’s tactics towards that system. A standout star in the MLS, the 24-year-old would be a great fit for Boro and should make an immediate impact for the side. However, with Columbus Crew unwilling to sell it will have to be a move for the future. Boro do need to find new players elsewhere across the pitch, and with Hayden Hackney’s future still in the air, there is still plenty of business and funds for Edwards to use in the remainder of the window.
