Arsenal are hoping to secure the signing of Julian Alvarez to cap off a productive summer of incomings and boost their forward line as they look to defend their Premier League title. Alvarez is said to be open to the move having initially favoured a switch to Barcelona.
Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG’s Bradley Barcola was given a boost when he was left out of the squad for their game against Rennes with PSG insiders now expecting the winger to leave the clubs this summer. The Reds have also seen two bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh turned down.
Elsewhere, Manchester City have agreed a €100m deal with Lille to buy midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and have sold Savinho to Tottenham in a deal worht £85m. They are also interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. Across the city, Manchester United target Alejandro Balde reportedly wants to leave Barcelona with the Premier League club exploring a loan move for the left-back.
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez were also absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad amid rumours that both players could be preparing for imminent exits with Watkins’ in particular looking very close to a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
Man Utd receive Balde boost
Spanish publication Marca are reporting that Alejandro Balde has decided that he wants to leave Barcelona in a huge boost to Manchester United’s hopes of signing him.
The report says that Joao Cancelo’s arrival and the fact that Balde was left out of Barca’s matchday squad for the game against Elche has changed Balde’s mind about remaining at the club and fighting for his place.
United are the frontrunners for his signature but they are said to want a loan deal instead of a permanent transfer as previously reported.
Gabriel Martinelli in talks over Saudi exit
Arsenal are in talks with Al Hilal over a deal for winger Gabriel Martinelli, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports.
The Brazilian was not included in Arsenal’s squad for their opening Premier League win against Coventry on Friday and previously turned down a move to Galatasaray.
BBC Sport adds he is free to leave the club this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta making it clear to the attacker that he is not in his plans.
Enzo Maresca provides update on Jack Grealish
Manchester City pulled off a remarkable win against Bournemouth oon Sunday, scoring twice inside the final 10 minutes of play to come from behind to win 2-1.
Jack Grealish played a role having come on as a second half substitute but there are still questions over whether he has a place at City in the long term.
Man City boss, Enzo Maresca, provided a quick update on Grealish’s situation saying: “Jack (Grealish), again, until the day he isn’t here, it’s my duty to try and coach Jack and to try to get the best from him.
“It’s one more week to go (until the transfer window closes) and we’ll see what happens, not only with Jack, but with more players.”
Liam Delap nears Nottingham Forest move
Liam Delap is growing nearer to a Chelsea exit, with the striker in advanced talks with Nottingham Forest, the Press Association understands.
The 23-year-old had his squad number reassigned ahead of the new season and has been training separately from Xabi Alonso’s main group, having been told he is not in the new manager’s plans.
Chelsea are holding out for a £50m fee for a player they signed for £30m from Ipswich a year ago, despite the fact he managed only two goals in all competitions last season.
Why Carlos Baleba Fixes Man United’s BIGGEST Problem
DONE DEAL! Manchester United sign Carlos Baleba
United could pay an extra £5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old, who believes he can reach a new level under Carrick, a former midfielder.
Hurzeler says Brighton can cope without Minteh
Fabian Hurzeler believes Brighton’s 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa shows his side can cope without the winger.
“We know he has an issue with his ankle so we have to see how the next weeks are going, how this will develop because he’s an important player for us,” Hurzeler said of Gambia international Minteh, who is attracting the interest of Liverpool.
“But we saw we are able to replace him. It’s very important that we don’t rely on one player.
“Of course, these kind of players are so important, one against one, good speed. But in the end you need to face adversity, you need to find solutions as a team, and that’s what my team did. Hopefully Yankuba comes back as quick as possible.”
Brentford in talks to sign Diouf
Brentford have resumed talks with West Ham for El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The Bees want to strengthen their left side and are looking around the market at viable options.
Both clubs are hopeful that a deal can be done before deadline day next week.
Villa eyeing surprise Watkins replacement?
Ollie Watkins could be nearing a move to Saudi Arabia as Al-Hilal hope to bring in the Aston Villa forward.
He did not feature for Villa during their woeful 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday and Unai Emery may be considering keeping the striker after such a performance.
But, should he leave then Villa will need a replacement.
One of the names on the rumour list is Joshua Zirkzee who faces an uncertain future at Manchester United.
Zirkzee is well down the pecking order at Old Trafford and there is a willingness to let him leave – for the right price.
United would probably prefer a permanent deal with Juventus and Napoli alreaduy registering their interest in Zirkzee.
The likelihood though is that he goes out on loan with an option or obligation to buy. Would that tempt Villa to move for him?
Rooney thinks Baleba will be ‘a really good signing’ for Man Utd
Wayne Rooney has given his thoughts on Manchester United’s potential signing Carlos Baleba.
Baleba is expected to join United from Brighton after the clubs agreed a deal.
“I really like him (Baleba), I think he’s a really good signing,” United’s record scorer told the Stick to United with Wayne Rooney podcast.
“We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever.
“But he covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and is what we need. He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively.
“It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and (Kobbie) Mainoo but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.”
