Manchester City and United Target Key Signings as Arsenal and Liverpool Pursue Stars
Manchester City are closing in on Palmeiras midfielder Allan, with talks between the clubs accelerating on Saturday night and a fee in the region of €40m (£34m) on the table. Enzo Maresca looks set to land one of Brazil’s most highly regarded young talents as he reshapes City’s midfield options.
While City push to get Allan over the line, their neighbours have finally cracked a deal of their own.
United walk away from Lewis‑Skelly and land Baleba
Manchester United’s pursuit of Arsenal youngster Lewis‑Skelly has quietly collapsed – and the reason is simple: the price.
The versatile Gunners prospect, capable of operating in midfield as well as elsewhere, drew interest from both United and Chelsea. Arsenal made it clear a move was possible, but their valuation stopped United in their tracks.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the figure quoted was “too high” for United, who promptly switched focus to long‑term target Carlos Baleba.
That pivot has paid off. United are poised to sign the Brighton midfielder after the clubs agreed a £65m plus £5m package, which includes a sell‑on clause. Fabrizio Romano reports that all documents have now been signed and exchanged, clearing the way for the 22‑year‑old to travel for a medical this weekend.
United had an initial bid of £60m plus £5m in add‑ons rejected. They went back in, raised the guaranteed fee to £65m, and finally shook hands with Brighton. After tracking Baleba for over a year, they now have their man.
As for Lewis‑Skelly, Mikel Arteta has since drawn a firm line, insisting he is “100 per cent” sure the youngster will stay at Arsenal.
Arsenal test Atletico’s resolve over Alvarez
Arsenal, though, are anything but quiet elsewhere. Their chase of Alvarez, currently at Barcelona after leaving Manchester City in 2024, has turned into one of the window’s most audacious moves.
The Argentine has made no secret of his reluctance to return to England. He does not want a Premier League comeback. Arsenal are trying to change his mind.
Spanish outlet SPORT reports that Atletico Madrid, who hold the striker’s rights, actually prefer a deal with Arsenal rather than seeing him remain with La Liga rivals. The Gunners are said to be ready to offer Viktor Gyokeres plus €80m (£68m) for Alvarez in a huge part‑exchange proposal.
On top of that, Arsenal are reportedly willing to put an annual salary of €25m (£21m) on the table, a figure that would make him one of the highest earners at the club and, by those reports, would effectively double his current wages.
It is a last‑ditch, heavyweight attempt to drag a reluctant star back to the Premier League.
Konsa arrives to bolster Arsenal’s defence
One deal that is already done in north London is Ezri Konsa’s move to Arsenal. The defender completed a £55m switch from Aston Villa this week, adding proven Premier League quality to Arteta’s back line.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta hailed the signing, describing Konsa as a defender of “high quality” whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have made him one of the league’s most consistent performers. Berta highlighted Konsa’s ability to play both centrally and at right‑back, stressing the versatility and leadership he will bring to a squad chasing major trophies.
Konsa missed Arsenal’s opening game against Coventry City but is expected to be in contention to face his former club on Monday, August 31. He will wear the number 15 shirt.
Liverpool push for Minteh
Up the road, Liverpool have seen their opening bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected, but the door is far from closed.
The Athletic reports that Brighton’s stance suggests the £50m offer is not far from an acceptable figure, and that it feels only a matter of time before an agreement is reached. Liverpool have been searching for a natural option on the right flank, and Minteh fits that brief.
City closing on Allan, United securing Baleba, Arsenal gambling big on Alvarez and bedding in Konsa, Liverpool edging towards Minteh – the window is starting to move at full speed. Who blinks next?
