Manchester United Pursue Alejandro Balde as City Targets Enzo Fernández
The market’s biggest hitters are circling again. Manchester United want a new left-back, Manchester City are preparing a record-breaking move for a Champions League winner, and the dominoes are lining up across Europe.
At the heart of it all: Alejandro Balde and Enzo Fernández.
United turn to Balde as Shaw concerns grow
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde, with talks expected soon with his agent Jorge Mendes, according to Nicolo Schira.
United have been tracking the 22-year-old as doubts grow over Luke Shaw’s ability to handle the physical load of playing three times a week across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. Sources told ESPN on Monday that the club have been monitoring Balde’s situation closely and are ready to move.
The Old Trafford side have already sounded out alternatives. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall was also the subject of an enquiry earlier in the window, but Balde’s age profile, pace and attacking threat have pushed him to the top of the list.
If Barcelona open the door, United intend to be first in the room.
City ready to test Chelsea’s resolve over Enzo
Across town, Manchester City are preparing to go hard for Enzo Fernández.
Fabrizio Romano reports that a proposal from City is on the way for the Chelsea midfielder, with the Premier League champions expected to be “strong” in their approach. The exact timing of the bid remains unclear, but the intent does not.
Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block. The Argentina international has already given the green light to proceed, while Nicolo Schira adds that Fernández is actively pushing for the move. City, for their part, are described as confident of closing a deal in the region of €130 million.
If Chelsea engage, this could become one of the defining transfers of the window.
Villa’s striker search hits Palace wall
Aston Villa’s hunt for a centre-forward has taken them to south London, but Crystal Palace are not biting.
Unai Emery’s side have submitted an offer for Jean-Philippe Mateta, The Athletic reports, yet the proposal falls well short of Palace’s valuation of the 29-year-old. Villa’s need is obvious: Ollie Watkins’ future remains uncertain, while Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo are both sidelined with injuries.
Villa had already explored a move for Mateta in January and have returned to the idea as the clock ticks down. Complicating matters, the striker has been involved in a dispute with Palace over the final year of his contract, adding another layer to an already tense situation.
For now, the gap between what Villa want to pay and what Palace demand remains wide.
Juventus cool on Kolo Muani, turn to Sørloth
In Turin, patience with Randal Kolo Muani is wearing thin.
Juventus are unimpressed with the forward’s performances since his return to the club and have turned their attention to Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Norway international is currently being favoured over Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, with Juve believing Sørloth’s profile fits their needs better.
To make a deal possible, Nicolas González could be included to reduce the overall cost. The 28-year-old wants to stay with Atlético after his loan expired, a stance that could help Juventus structure a player-plus-cash agreement.
If Juve move decisively, Kolo Muani’s second spell could prove short-lived.
Galatasaray keep pushing for Leão
Rafael Leão’s name refuses to leave the rumour mill.
AC Milan’s winger remains a target for Galatasaray after Aston Villa pulled out of the race, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. Milan are standing firm: they want €50m plus a further €10m in bonuses for the 27-year-old and have shown no willingness to soften that stance.
Galatasaray are persisting. The Turkish club are expected to raise their latest offer for the Portugal international but are wary of crossing certain financial lines. For now, it is a test of who blinks first — Milan’s valuation or Gala’s budget.
PSG and Liverpool back at the table for Barcola
One saga has been revived.
Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool restarted talks on Tuesday over the transfer of Bradley Barcola, sources told ESPN, as the Premier League side make a renewed push to get a deal done before the window closes.
Liverpool’s interest has never fully disappeared. With the deadline approaching, the negotiations have picked up again, and both clubs know there is little time left to find common ground.
Newcastle land Nico González from City
One major deal is already in place.
Newcastle United have agreed a move for Manchester City midfielder Nico González, sources have told ESPN. The Spanish midfielder is set for St James’ Park in a £52m package, with an initial £48m fee and a further £4m in potential add-ons.
It is a significant outlay and a clear statement from Newcastle as they try to refresh and deepen their midfield options ahead of a demanding season.
Around Europe: keepers, wingers and late-window gambles
The ripple effect is everywhere.
Chelsea are exploring a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez as they scramble to bring in a new No. 1 before the deadline, according to Football Insider.
Atlético Madrid have made contact with Juventus over Jonathan David, Fabrizio Romano reports, though talks have not yet progressed into formal negotiations.
Arsenal’s dealings with Saudi Arabia are reaching a critical point. Discussions with Al Hilal for Gabriel Martinelli are at the final stages for a fee in excess of €65m, Romano says, while Ollie Watkins has already agreed personal terms with Al Hilal and the Saudi club are now in advanced talks with Aston Villa, according to Nicolo Schira.
In Serie A, Como have tabled a second offer for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, Schira reports, a proposal that could reach €40m including bonuses.
Al Hilal’s scouting net is stretching further. They have started to show interest in Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, with Galatasaray also continuing to push for his signature, Footmercato reports.
Roma are busy on multiple fronts. The club have an agreement in place with Malick Fofana and are weighing whether to move, with Lyon demanding more than €35m, Romano says. Roma have also joined Juventus in tracking free agent midfielder Franck Kessie, according to Sky Sports Italia.
Bayer Leverkusen are targeting Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby, Romano reports, as they look to add more firepower out wide.
Newcastle, not content with landing Nico González, are assessing Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa and Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli as winger options, according to TEAMtalk.
Brighton & Hove Albion have asked for information on AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, Schira reports, while Milan themselves are eyeing 23-year-old Young Boys attacking midfielder Alvyn Sanches, say Sky Sports Italia.
The money is moving, the phones are ringing, and the window is closing fast. Who blinks first: the clubs clinging to their stars, or the giants determined to prise them away?
