Manchester Clubs Target New Signings, Arsenal's Big Gamble on Alvarez
Manchester City are closing in on another Brazilian jewel. Talks with Palmeiras for midfielder Allan accelerated on Saturday night, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that negotiations between the clubs are now at an advanced stage. Enzo Maresca’s side are expected to pay around €40m (£34m) to land the 21‑year‑old, a fee that underlines how quickly City want the deal wrapped up.
While City push to add youth and energy, their neighbours have finally got their man.
United walk from Lewis-Skelly, go all-in on Baleba
The reason Manchester United backed away from Arsenal’s Myles Lewis‑Skelly has now come into focus. The highly rated youngster, capable of operating at full-back and in midfield, attracted serious interest from both United and Chelsea, with Arsenal open to a sale at the right price.
That price proved the problem.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the figure quoted by Arsenal was deemed “too high” by United, who promptly stepped away and turned back to a long-standing target: Carlos Baleba.
That decision has shaped United’s midfield rebuild. Brighton have agreed a deal and given Baleba permission to travel for a medical this weekend, with Romano stating that all documents between the clubs have now been signed and exchanged.
The numbers tell the story of United’s intent. An initial offer of £60m plus £5m in add-ons was rejected. United returned and the clubs eventually struck an agreement at £65m plus £5m in add-ons, with a sell‑on clause also included. After tracking the 22‑year‑old for over a year, United have finally moved from admiration to action.
Back in north London, Arsenal’s stance on Lewis‑Skelly has hardened. Mikel Arteta has since insisted he is “100 per cent” certain the youngster will stay, a firm line after the club’s valuation forced United out of the race.
Arsenal chase Alvarez despite clear resistance
If Arsenal’s position on Lewis‑Skelly is firm, their pursuit of Julian Alvarez is downright relentless.
The Argentine forward, who left Manchester City for Barcelona in 2024, has made it clear he does not want a return to England. His reluctance has not cooled Arsenal’s interest. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Atletico Madrid would prefer to sell Alvarez to Arsenal rather than a La Liga rival, and the Gunners are prepared to test that resolve with an extraordinary package.
The report claims Arsenal are willing to offer Viktor Gyokeres plus €80m (£68m) for Alvarez. On top of that, they are said to be ready to hand the Argentina international an annual salary of €25m (£21m), a wage that would make him one of the highest earners at the club and, reportedly, double his current pay.
It is a last‑ditch type of offer: huge fee, big player going the other way, enormous contract. Arsenal are effectively daring Alvarez to turn down the Premier League again.
Konsa arrives, shirt ready, reunion looming
One big deal is already done at the Emirates. Ezri Konsa completed his £55m move from Aston Villa to Arsenal this week, adding proven Premier League steel to Arteta’s back line.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta did not hide his excitement at 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, his leadership and his fit for Arsenal’s style, stressing that the club expects him to make an “immediate impact”.
Konsa missed Arsenal’s opening game against Coventry City, but he is expected to be in contention to face his former club on Monday, August 31. He will wear the number 15 shirt. A new chapter, and a reunion, could arrive in the same night.
Liverpool test Brighton’s resolve over Minteh
Brighton find themselves at the centre of another major deal, this time with Liverpool.
The Anfield club have seen their opening bid for winger Yankuba Minteh rejected, with The Athletic reporting that Liverpool’s first offer was around £50m. Brighton have pushed it back, but their stance suggests that figure is not far from what they would accept.
The sense around the deal is that it is edging towards a conclusion rather than drifting away. Liverpool want a natural option on the right flank, and Minteh fits the brief. Brighton, as ever, will hold out for their price.
City closing on Allan. United landing Baleba. Arsenal throwing huge numbers at Alvarez and bedding in Konsa. Liverpool circling Minteh. With fees soaring and stances hardening, the only real question left this window is who blinks first.
