Middlesbrough remain ‘confident’ about transfer target ‘they want most’ despite £2.25m bid rejected

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EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that Middlesbrough still have their sights set firmly on an international talent.

Middlesbrough host Millwall this afternoon (August 16) at 3:00pm as Rob Edwards’ side look to return to winning ways.

Boro began their 2025/26 Championship campaign with a commendable 1-0 win against Swansea City, but then fell to an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers in the opening round of the Carabao Cup.

With transfer deadline day just over a fortnight away, Middlesbrough remain in the market for recruitments in key areas.

EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that Middlesbrough remain “confident” about a deal for a long-standing transfer target.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough are ‘interested’ as £9m striker’s father opens up on Boro transfer plan

Exclusive: Middlesbrough remain ‘quite confident’ about signing Max Arfsten

Columbus Crew left wing-back Max Arfsten has been a name linked with a move to Middlesbrough for several weeks.

In early August, Middlesbrough submitted a £2.25m bid for Arfsten, which was subsequently rejected by the MLS outfit, where current Boro star Aidan Morris was signed from last summer.

EFL Analysis exclusively revealed earlier in the window that Arfsten has “had his head turned” by Middlesbrough and that both Boro and the defender remain keen to see the move materialise.

Now, in a further update from our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, we can reveal that Arfsten is ‘the one Middlesbrough want’ to bring in at left-back before the transfer slams shut on September 1.

Bailey explained: “He is the one they want. They really like him. As we’ve said before, I think they’re quite confident about doing this deal.

“He’s likely the reason they didn’t really push for Alfie Doughty, for whatever reason, and sort of allowed him to go to Millwall.

“There are other options there and if Arfsten isn’t done with a few days to go they’ll probably look at the loan market, but Arfsten is the one they want the most.”

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Arfsten started and scored against Leon in the Leagues Cup third round last week.

Amid the potential Middlesbrough move, one familiar face to English football fans has slammed Boro’s “low offer” for Arfsten.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough hold fresh David Strelec talks but there’s one complication in potential transfer

Tim Howard slams Middlesbrough’s ‘crazy’ offer for Max Arfsten

24-year-old Arfsten already has ten senior USMNT caps to his name and is highly regarded as one of the best young defensive prospects in the MLS.

Amid Middlesbrough’s move for the defender, former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard has slammed Boro’s bid for Arfsten.

Howard told the Unfiltered Soccer podcast with Landon Donovan: “Middlesbrough man, like, pay us like you owe us; this is crazy.

“You know, he’s a young, up-and-coming U.S. national team player, right? More than likely going to be on the World Cup roster if he continues this way. This is such a slap in the face.”