The summer transfer window is set for a thrilling finale as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all push for major signings during the final week. Arsenal have been given a huge new boost over Julian Alvarez, who may now be open to a Premier League return. Manchester United have finalised the signing of Carlos Baleba following a medical, while Liverpool are planning a third bid for Yankuba Minteh.
Manchester United complete Carlos Baleba deal
Manchester United have now finalised the signing of Carlos Baleba. On Friday night, the Red Devils agreed a deal with Brighton for the Cameroon midfielder worth an initial £65m, plus a further £5m in add-ons with a sell-on clause also included.
Baleba - currently sidelined by an ankle injury - subsequently travelled to Manchester for a medical, with Fabrizio Romano reporting this morning that all the relevant documents have now been exchanged and signed. The deal is “100 per cent” done - all that is left now is the official announcement.
Arsenal get huge Julian Alvarez boost
Arsenal look to have been given a major new boost over Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid remain adamant that they do not want to sell the Argentina striker, who is in Diego Simeone’s squad for today’s home LaLiga clash with Villarreal.
However, Diario AS in Spain report that Alvarez is very unhappy with the way his transfer saga has been handled this summer and is still intent on leaving the Metropolitano Stadium before the deadline. The former Manchester City star still wants Barcelona, though it is suggested that he is now open to potentially joining Arsenal after further talks with Mikel Arteta.
Liverpool make shock Endrick move
Liverpool have explored a move for Endrick amid talks with Brighton for Yankuba Minteh. The Reds are determined to bolster their forward line this summer, and remain in pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.
According to The Times, Liverpool have approached Real Madrid over the availability of young Brazilian star Endrick following his successful loan spell at Lyon last term. Liverpool have now seen two bids rejected by Brighton, and a third is expected while talks with PSG for their two attacking stars continue.
Julian Alvarez changes Arsenal stance after Mikel Arteta talks
Julian Alvarez is coming around to the idea of joining Arsenal this summer after talks with Mikel Arteta. Diario AS reports the long-running transfer saga has left Alvarez increasingly unsettled, and he remains desperate to leave Atletico Madrid before the transfer deadline.
Arsenal seem to be emerging as his most viable option. Alvarez likes the idea of moving to Barcelona, and the Blaugrana remain interested, but Atletico do not want to sell to a domestic rival. Thus, Alvarez is said to be softening his stance on returning to England, with ‘the door left ajar’ to Arsenal.
Arsenal transfer target Kenan Yildiz staying put
Arsenal transfer target Kenan Yildiz is staying at Juventus this summer, head coach Luciano Spalletti has confirmed. The highly-rated Turkish winger, 21, is said to be a long-term target for the Gunners, who remain on the lookout for further attacking additions before the current transfer window closes for business at 11pm BST on September 1.
“I am perfectly relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me,” Spalletti said at a press conference held ahead of Juventus’ Serie A opener away at newly-promoted Frosinone on Sunday, per Football Italia. "They can offer whatever they like, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field."
Nottingham Forest submit £70m bid for Igor Thiago
Nottingham Forest have submitted a £70m bid for Brentford striker Igor Thiago. According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Forest are ready to shatter their club-record signing for the Brazilian.
Thiago remains under contract with Brentford until 2031, putting the Bees in a strong position. It remains to be seen whether Brentford are willing to entertain a sale.
Arsenal launch late move to hijack Bradley Barcola talks
Talking of Bradley Barcola, Arsenal are reportedly considering a late move to hijack Liverpool’s talks with Paris Saint-Germain. According to TEAMtalk, the Gunners have made fresh contact with Barcola’s representatives and are now in the race for the PSG forward.
Liverpool remain in front, but are still reluctant to meet the £130million asking price. Arsenal are reportedly similarly minded, but have been asked to keep informed of any developments.
Tottenham move for Cody Gakpo depends on Bradley Barcola
Liverpool and Tottenham are currently not in talks over a deal for Cody Gakpo. According to Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof, Spurs are unlikely to make progress unless Liverpool first complete the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
All parties are understood to be aware of the situation, with Barcola’s potential arrival likely opening the door for Gakpo to leave Anfield. If the Frenchman joins Liverpool, the decision will be with Gakpo to join Tottenham.
Liverpool reunion at Trabzonspor as Fabinho deal agreed
Trabzonspor have reached a verbal agreement to sign former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho on a free transfer. The Brazilian is available after leaving Saudi Arabia this summer and, according to Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Trabzonspor have won the race for his signature.
Fabinho is expected to undergo a medical early next week and link up with former Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah in Turkey.
Man Utd told the signing they must make after Baleba
Manchester United have been told to sign another striker before the transfer window shuts. Head coach Michael Carrick started his new-look midfield of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, who cost a combined £87million, in today’s 2-0 loss to Hull but the pair were overrun.
Carlos Baleba, another midfielder, is set to sign next week in a deal worth £70m, but will arrive injured so a debut will have to wait. "I think they could probably do with another striker option," former Man Utd and England midfielder Hargreaves told TNT Sports. "Sesko didn't start and Cunha played a little bit deeper. He's a number 10 and he's very effective off the left."
