Manchester United Pursue Alejandro Balde as Full-Back Rebuild Begins
Manchester United are preparing to test Barcelona’s resolve over Alejandro Balde, with the left-back emerging as a priority target as concerns grow over Luke Shaw’s workload.
According to Nicolo Schira, United are ready to open direct talks with Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, with discussions expected “very soon” over a potential move for the 22-year-old. ESPN reported on Monday that United have been closely monitoring Balde’s situation at Barça, wary that Shaw may not be able to handle three games a week across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
United have already sounded out alternatives. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall was the subject of an enquiry earlier in the window, underlining how urgently the club want another reliable option on the left side of defence.
The message from Old Trafford is clear: they want a modern, athletic full-back, and they want him now.
City ready to go heavy for Enzo Fernández
On the blue side of Manchester, another major move is being lined up.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City are preparing a proposal for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. The exact timing of the bid is not yet known, but the Premier League champions are expected to come in hard for the 25-year-old.
Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block. The Argentina international has already given the “green light” to pursue the move, Romano adds, and Schira reports that Fernández is actively pushing for the transfer.
City are described as confident of striking a deal at around €130 million. Chelsea, who made Fernández one of the most expensive signings in their history, now face a fresh test of their resolve as the window ticks down and pressure mounts on their wage bill and squad balance.
Villa’s striker hunt stalls over Mateta price
Aston Villa’s search for attacking cover has led them to Jean-Philippe Mateta, but their opening move has fallen flat.
The Athletic reports that Villa have submitted an offer for the Crystal Palace striker, only to see it fall well short of Palace’s valuation. The London club are holding firm, aware of Villa’s need and Mateta’s importance.
Villa’s urgency is understandable. Ollie Watkins’ future remains uncertain, while Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo are both sidelined with injuries. The Midlands club also looked at Mateta in January, and the 29-year-old’s situation has been complicated by a dispute with Palace over the final year of his contract.
For now, there is distance between the clubs. Villa want a deal that reflects risk and age; Palace want to be properly paid for a proven Premier League scorer.
Juventus lose patience with Kolo Muani, turn to Sørloth
In Turin, Juventus are rethinking their attacking options.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the club are unimpressed with Randal Kolo Muani’s performances since his return and are now targeting Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth. The Norway international is being favoured over Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, with Juve believing Sørloth’s profile is a better fit for their system.
To bring the fee down, Juventus could include Nicolas González in the deal. The 28-year-old wants to stay with Atleti after his loan spell, which could smooth negotiations and give Juventus room to manoeuvre on price.
If completed, it would mark another sharp pivot in Juve’s ongoing rebuild of their forward line.
Galatasaray refuse to drop Leão chase as Milan dig in
Rafael Leão’s name is still on Galatasaray’s list, and they are not walking away.
With Aston Villa stepping back from the race, Gala have moved to the front of the queue for the AC Milan winger, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Milan, though, are refusing to blink: they want €50m plus another €10m in bonuses for the 27-year-old and have shown no sign of softening that stance.
Galatasaray are expected to increase their latest offer for the Portugal international, but the Turkish club are wary of crossing certain financial lines. For now, it is a stand-off: Milan holding firm on valuation, Gala probing for any sign of flexibility.
PSG and Liverpool reopen Barcola talks
One of the window’s more intriguing late stories has flickered back into life.
Sources have told ESPN that Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool resumed discussions on Tuesday over a deal for Bradley Barcola. Liverpool are making a renewed push to get the transfer over the line before the deadline, with both clubs exploring a structure that works in tight timeframes.
The Premier League side have been tracking Barcola as they look to refresh their attacking options and add another wide threat to their front line.
Nico González set for Newcastle switch
Newcastle United are closing in on a major midfield reinforcement.
Sources have told ESPN that a deal has been agreed with Manchester City for Spanish midfielder Nico González. He is set to move to St James’ Park in a transfer worth £52m ($70.9m).
Newcastle will pay an initial £48m ($65.4m), with a further £4m ($5.5m) in potential add-ons. The move underlines Newcastle’s intent to keep strengthening despite financial constraints and to add technical quality in the middle of the pitch.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper search points to Martínez
Chelsea’s late-window to-do list still includes a goalkeeper, and one name has moved to the top.
Football Insider reports that the club are exploring a deal for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez as they push to secure a new No. 1 before the deadline. The World Cup winner’s profile and experience make him an obvious candidate for a team trying to stabilise defensively.
Whether Villa are prepared to lose their first-choice keeper this late in the window is another matter entirely.
Atlético sound out Juventus over Jonathan David
Atlético Madrid are also active.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Atleti have made contact with Juventus about a move for Jonathan David. At this stage, it is only an initial approach, with no formal negotiations yet under way.
The Spanish side are assessing options as they look to reshape their attack and add a reliable scorer to complement their existing forwards.
Arsenal and Al Hilal closing in on Martinelli deal
One of the Premier League’s most eye-catching potential exits is edging closer.
Talks between Arsenal and Al Hilal are at the final stages for Gabriel Martinelli to join the Saudi Pro League, Romano reports. The proposed deal is expected to be worth over €65m.
Losing Martinelli would be a significant shift for Arsenal, who have built much of their recent attacking identity around his direct running and intensity. For Al Hilal, it would be another marquee addition in a rapidly growing project.
Watkins agrees terms with Al Hilal
Al Hilal are not stopping there.
Nicolo Schira reports that Ollie Watkins has agreed personal terms with the Saudi club, who are now in advanced talks with Aston Villa over a transfer. Villa’s stance will be decisive here, with Watkins central to Unai Emery’s plans and already at the heart of their striker search for reinforcements.
If both Martinelli and Watkins were to arrive, Al Hilal’s forward line would look dramatically different overnight.
Como push hard for Kean
In Italy, Como are refusing to back down in their pursuit of Moise Kean.
Schira reports that the club have formalised a second offer to Fiorentina for the striker, with the package reaching €40m including bonuses. It is a bold move from Como as they attempt to land a high-profile attacker and signal their ambition.
The decision now rests with Fiorentina and the player, with the fee already at a substantial level.
Sarr interest grows as Galatasaray keep pushing
Ismaila Sarr is drawing attention from multiple fronts.
Footmercato reports that Al Hilal have started to show interest in the Crystal Palace winger, while Galatasaray continue to push for his signature. Palace now face the prospect of a bidding battle, with both clubs capable of offering significant terms.
For Sarr, it could be a defining choice: a move to Saudi Arabia’s expanding project, or a shot at becoming a headline figure in Istanbul.
Roma weighing Fofana move as Lyon hold out
Roma have already done some groundwork on another wide option.
According to Romano, the club have an agreement in place with Malick Fofana and are now deciding whether to trigger the move. Lyon want over €35m for the winger, a figure that has given Roma pause as they juggle budgets and squad needs.
The agreement with the player is there. The question is whether Roma are willing to match Lyon’s valuation.
Diaby back on Leverkusen’s radar
Bayer Leverkusen are targeting a familiar profile to boost their attack.
Romano reports that the Bundesliga champions are focusing on signing Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman previously starred for Leverkusen before his move to Saudi Arabia, and a return would hand Xabi Alonso another explosive wide option as they look to defend their title and push deeper in Europe.
Kessie draws interest from Roma and Juventus
Franck Kessie is back on Serie A shopping lists.
Sky Sports Italia reports that both Roma and Juventus are interested in the free agent midfielder. His availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive option for clubs needing power and experience in midfield without a transfer fee.
For Kessie, the choice could define the next phase of his career in Italy.
Newcastle scan wide market with Moussa and Ezzalzouli on list
Newcastle United are also in the market for a winger.
TEAMtalk reports that the club are looking at Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa and Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli as they assess options out wide. With European football on the horizon and injuries biting last season, Newcastle want greater depth and dynamism in the wide areas.
Both players fit the profile: young, direct, and with room to grow.
Brighton ask about Fofana as Milan chase Sanches
Brighton & Hove Albion have made a move of their own in midfield.
Schira reports that the club have requested information on AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, testing the waters over a potential deal. Brighton’s model of identifying and developing high-upside midfielders makes Fofana a logical target.
Sky Sports Italia adds that AC Milan, meanwhile, are looking to Young Boys for their next creative spark. The Rossoneri want to sign 23-year-old attacking midfielder Alvyn Sanches, as they continue to refresh and lower the age profile of their squad.
From Manchester to Milan, from Riyadh to Istanbul, the final days of this window are gathering pace. The only real certainty now is that some very big names are about to move.
