Germany's Mats Hummels
Germany's Mats Hummels celebrates after scoring a goal against France during the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals soccer match at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 4, 2014. REUTERS

Manchester United will have to bid a fight with Arsenal to bring Mats Hummels to Old Trafford. The Dortmund center back was part of Germany's World Cup winning campaign. Mats Hummels has been praised by Louis van Gaal who continues to point that United still needs brains at the back.

On the other hand, Arsene Wenger is chasing the German defender in a bid to strengthen Arsenal defense. Wenger has enough money to make two big moves after the transfer of Alexis Sanchez and the Colombian goalkeeper, David Ospina. Although Dortmund has repeatedly denied the transfer of Hummels, it is believed that the defender would be available for £30m.

Louis van Gaal is enjoying a successful pre-season and has brought vigor to the Red Devils. He has deployed the famous 3-4-1-2 formation in the Man United's ranks and wants to add value to his defense in order to make the most out of the system. There is a lot of expectations from the United Manager, following a disastrous season which saw the sacking of David Moyes.

Man Utd. are keenly following the Arsenal centre half Vermaelen. If they are able to have a successful signing, Arsenal will be intent to sign Hummels as a result. Van Gaal has been very eager for the signing of the Hummels but the reluctance means they will have to go for Vermaelen.

"We are doing well but we are looking for defenders," said the manager as reported by The Independent, "Defenders have gone and we have to replace them. Vermaelen looks the most likely purchase, with Dortmund reluctant to let Hummels go."

The deadline for the transfer window is weeks away and with Arsenal and Man Utd. in need of a sensible defender, it is going to be a heated pre-season finish.