Igor Matanovic Transfer: Freiburg Rule Out Winter Sale
Freiburg Hold Firm on Striker
Premier League clubs hoping to land Igor Matanovic in the winter window look set for disappointment. According to Football Insider, SC Freiburg have no intention of entertaining offers for the striker before next summer, leaving Arsenal and Manchester United with a waiting game.
The Bundesliga side face no financial pressure to cash in, and the Croatian’s form gives them every reason to stand firm.
Matanovic’s Rapid Rise at Freiburg
Since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2025, the 23-year-old has been a revelation. He netted 15 times across all competitions in his debut campaign and has started the new season in even sharper form.
Six goals in seven matches, with nine goal contributions in total, have made him one of Germany’s most in-form forwards and put him firmly on the radar of Premier League scouts.
Valuation and Freiburg’s Strategy
Freiburg are reportedly placing a price tag of around £50 million or more on their number nine. Having already sold Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa, the club are comfortably placed and under no obligation to sell again in January.
If Matanovic maintains his output through the season, that valuation could climb further by the time summer arrives.
What It Means for Manchester United and Arsenal
Manchester United have followed Matanovic since earlier this year. They want a centre-forward to compete with Benjamin Sesko and may look to replace Joshua Zirkzee, but a January move appears off the table.
Arsenal are reportedly seeking a winger in the next window, though they have explored striker options since the summer. While names as lofty as Erling Haaland have been mentioned, Matanovic looks a far more realistic proposition.
Our Take
Freiburg’s stance is entirely sensible. Selling a player in such form mid-season would weaken their European and domestic ambitions, and waiting until summer could add millions to his fee. For United and Arsenal, patience may prove costly if rivals move earlier, yet the Croatian’s price will only rise with each goal. The real question is whether either club will be willing to meet a fee that could climb well beyond £50 million.
