Manchester City Target Allan, United Pursues Baleba, Arsenal's Bold Moves
Manchester City are closing in on Allan, the Palmeiras midfielder earmarked as their next long‑term project, with talks between the clubs accelerating on Saturday night. Enzo Maresca’s side are ready to pay around €40m (£34m) to land the 21‑year‑old, according to Fabrizio Romano, as City look to freshen up a midfield that has quietly aged together.
While City push one deal towards the finish line, their neighbours have been busy rewriting their own shortlist.
United walk from Lewis-Skelly, land on Baleba
The reason Manchester United backed away from a move for Arsenal’s highly rated youngster Lewis‑Skelly has now surfaced. Both United and Chelsea explored a deal for the versatile Gunner, who can operate in midfield and across the pitch, with Arsenal open to a sale at the right price.
That price killed it.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Arsenal’s valuation was deemed “too high” by United, who promptly stepped away and turned back to a name that has been on their radar for over a year: Carlos Baleba.
The shift in focus has paid off. United are poised to sign the Brighton midfielder after the two clubs agreed a package worth £65m plus £5m in add‑ons, with a sell‑on clause included. Romano says all documents have now been signed and exchanged, and Baleba has been given the green light to travel for a medical this weekend.
An initial United bid of £60m plus £5m in add‑ons was rejected. The second offer landed, and with it, a 22‑year‑old central midfielder who fits the club’s drive for energy and legs in the middle of the pitch.
Back at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has moved to shut down any lingering noise around Lewis‑Skelly. The manager insists he is “100 per cent” certain the youngster will stay, a stance that now looks far more comfortable with United out of the race.
Arsenal’s bold Alvarez play
Arsenal are not stopping there. Their pursuit of Julian Alvarez has turned into one of the window’s most audacious plays.
The Argentina international, who left Manchester City for Barcelona in 2024, has made it clear he does not want to return to England. That has not put off Arsenal. SPORT in Spain report that Atletico Madrid would actually prefer to sell Alvarez to Arsenal rather than a direct La Liga rival, and that the Gunners are prepared to offer Viktor Gyokeres plus €80m (£68m) to get him.
The numbers do not end with the fee. Arsenal are also said to be ready to put an annual salary of €25m (£21m) on the table, a figure that would make Alvarez one of the highest‑paid players at the club and, according to the same report, would roughly double his current wages.
It is a last‑ditch, heavyweight attempt to drag a reluctant striker back to the Premier League. Whether his stance softens under that kind of financial pressure is another matter.
Konsa arrives, number 15 ready for reunion
One deal that is already done in north London is Ezri Konsa’s move to Arsenal. The defender has completed a £55m switch from Aston Villa, adding proven Premier League pedigree and versatility to Arteta’s back line.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta hailed Konsa as a “defender of high quality,” praising his athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence, and highlighting his ability to play both centrally and at right‑back. Arsenal see him as a leader as much as a defender, a player expected to slot straight into their style and standards.
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, and that first meeting with Villa already feels like a date circled in red.
Liverpool test Brighton’s resolve over Minteh
On Merseyside, Liverpool have made their move. Their opening bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has been rejected, but the door is far from closed.
The Athletic reports that Brighton’s stance suggests Liverpool’s £50m offer is not miles away from a figure they would accept, and that it feels only a matter of time before a compromise is found.
Liverpool have been searching for a natural option on the right flank, someone who can grow into the role as the next era of their attack takes shape. If they push that bid a little higher, Minteh could be the one stepping into Anfield’s spotlight when the window finally slams shut.
