Manchester Giants Move: Arsenal's Gamble and Liverpool's Interest
Manchester City are closing in on their next Brazilian project, Manchester United are finally landing a long-term midfield target, Arsenal are pushing the limits of their wage structure for a superstar forward, and Liverpool are testing Brighton’s resolve yet again. The market is restless, and the Premier League’s heavyweights are right in the middle of it.
Man City close on Allan deal
Manchester City are on the brink of securing a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Allan, with talks between the clubs accelerating on Saturday night.
Fabrizio Romano reports that negotiations have advanced to the point where City are now close to an agreement, with Enzo Maresca’s side expected to pay a fee in the region of €40m (£34m). The move would continue City’s long-running strategy of investing heavily in elite South American talent before their value explodes in Europe.
Why Man United walked away from Lewis-Skelly
On the other side of Manchester, United have quietly stepped back from one target to finally land another.
Arsenal’s versatile youngster Lewis-Skelly, capable of operating in midfield and elsewhere, drew serious interest from both United and Chelsea. Arsenal made it clear a move was possible. The sticking point was the price.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the fee quoted was simply “too high” for United, who decided not to push on with talks and instead pivoted back to a player they have tracked for more than a year: Carlos Baleba.
Mikel Arteta has since moved to shut down any lingering doubt, insisting he is “100 per cent” certain Lewis-Skelly will stay at Arsenal. For now, at least, that door is closed.
Baleba finally bound for Old Trafford
United’s change of direction has paid off. Carlos Baleba is now poised to join from Brighton after a fee was agreed and the player received the green light to travel for a medical this weekend.
Romano reports that all documents between the clubs have been signed and exchanged, sealing a deal worth £65m plus £5m in add-ons, with a sell-on clause also built into the agreement.
United had an initial offer of £60m plus £5m in add-ons rejected, but returned with improved terms that Brighton accepted. The 22-year-old midfielder now looks set to become the latest major piece in United’s rebuild, a pursuit that has stretched over more than 12 months and several transfer windows.
Arsenal’s audacious play for Alvarez
If United’s business feels big, Arsenal’s pursuit of Alvarez is on another level entirely.
The Argentina international left Manchester City for Barcelona in 2024 and has made no secret of his desire not to return to England. That stance has not put Arsenal off. Far from it.
According to SPORT, Atletico prefer to send their striker to Arsenal rather than a La Liga rival, and the north London club are ready to test every boundary to make it happen. The report claims Arsenal are prepared to offer Viktor Gyokeres plus €80m (£68m) for Alvarez in a blockbuster part-exchange proposal.
The financial package does not stop there. SPORT also report that Arsenal are willing to hand Alvarez an annual salary of €25m (£21m), a figure that would place him among the highest earners at the club and, crucially, would reportedly double his current wages.
It is a last-ditch, high-stakes attempt to lure a reluctant star back to the Premier League. If Arsenal pull it off, it would be one of the most audacious deals of the window. If they fail, it leaves a clear question: where do they turn next for the elite forward they so clearly want?
Ezri Konsa arrives in north London
One deal Arsenal have already banked is Ezri Konsa.
The defender completed a £55m move from Aston Villa this week, adding proven Premier League and international experience to Arteta’s back line. He will wear the number 15 shirt.
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 Premier League’s most consistent performers. Berta highlighted Konsa’s ability to play both in central defence and at right-back, pointing to 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. A reunion that will come quickly, and under a very different shade of red.
Liverpool test Brighton again over Minteh
While Brighton negotiate one big sale with United, they are also holding firm against Liverpool.
Liverpool have seen their opening bid for winger Yankuba Minteh rejected. The Athletic reports that the offer stood at around £50m and, while Brighton have turned it down, their stance suggests that figure is not far from something they would eventually accept.
The feeling around the deal is that it may be a matter of time. Liverpool want a natural option for the right flank, and this move would provide exactly that. Brighton, as ever, know the value of what they have and are prepared to squeeze every last pound out of a Premier League giant.
City reshaping with Allan. United finally landing Baleba. Arsenal chasing Alvarez with eye-watering money after landing Konsa. Liverpool pushing for Minteh. The window is not drifting to a quiet close; it is tightening, hard. And the question now is simple: which of these clubs will look back on this month as the moment their season truly changed?
