Manchester Clubs Move, Arsenal Gamble, Liverpool Knock: Transfer Window Insights

Manchester City are closing in on another Brazilian prospect. Talks with Palmeiras for midfielder Allan accelerated on Saturday night, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that negotiations between the clubs are now at an advanced stage. Enzo Maresca’s side are expected to pay around €40m (£34m) to land the 21-year-old, a fee that underlines City’s continued willingness to invest heavily in emerging talent rather than ready‑made stars.

While City push to add to their midfield, their neighbours have finally landed the man they have chased for over a year.

United walk from Lewis‑Skelly, land long-term target Baleba

The story of Manchester United’s midfield rebuild could have gone very differently. They explored a move for Arsenal’s versatile youngster Lewis‑Skelly, who can operate both in defence and midfield and had attracted interest from Chelsea as well.

Arsenal were open to a sale. The problem was the price.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the fee quoted was “too high” for United, who promptly stepped away and turned back to a name that has been on their radar for more than 12 months: Carlos Baleba.

That decision has now crystallised into a major deal. Brighton have agreed to sell the 22‑year‑old midfielder after United struck terms worth £65m plus a further £5m in add‑ons, with a sell‑on clause also built into the agreement. Romano reports that all documents have been signed and exchanged, and Baleba has been given the green light to travel for a medical this weekend.

It marks a significant escalation from United’s initial proposal of £60m plus £5m in add‑ons, which Brighton rejected. The extra £5m up front finally broke the deadlock and delivered Erik ten Hag the powerful, progressive midfielder the club have been chasing.

As for Lewis‑Skelly, the door has effectively shut. Mikel Arteta has since gone public, insisting he is “100 per cent” certain the youngster will stay at Arsenal, a stance that now fits neatly with United’s decision to walk away.

Arsenal’s bold play for Alvarez and a big defensive addition

Arsenal’s window is veering into high‑stakes territory. The north London club are still pushing for Alvarez, despite the Argentine making no secret of his desire not to return to England after leaving Manchester City for Barcelona in 2024.

SPORT in Spain report that Arsenal are refusing to be discouraged. Atletico, the player’s current club, are said to prefer a sale to Arsenal rather than a move to a La Liga rival, and the Gunners are prepared to go big: Viktor Gyokeres plus €80m (£68m) for Alvarez.

The numbers do not stop there. The same report claims Arsenal are willing to offer the Argentina international an annual salary of €25m (£21m), a wage that would make him one of the club’s highest‑paid players and, crucially, would effectively double his current earnings. It is a last‑ditch, heavyweight attempt to drag a reluctant player back to the Premier League.

One major deal is already done. Ezri Konsa completed his £55m move from Aston Villa to Arsenal this week, adding proven Premier League and international pedigree to Arteta’s back line.

Sporting Director Andrea Berta hailed the signing, praising Konsa’s “athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence” and highlighting his ability to play both centrally and at right-back. Arsenal see that versatility as central to maintaining the “high defensive standards” they believe are essential to competing for 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. He will wear the number 15 shirt, and his first meeting with Villa in different colours already feels like a date circled in bold.

Liverpool test Brighton’s resolve over Minteh

Up the road, Liverpool have made their first move in what could become another tug‑of‑war with Brighton. An opening bid for winger Yankuba Minteh has been rejected, but the stance from the south coast does not sound immovable.

The Athletic reports that Brighton’s response suggests the £50m offer is not far from a figure they would eventually accept. That leaves Liverpool within striking distance of a deal for a natural right‑flank option, a profile they have been searching for as they plan the next iteration of their attack.

City are closing on Allan. United have finally secured Baleba. Arsenal are throwing huge money at Alvarez and bedding in Konsa. Liverpool are knocking again on Brighton’s door.

The window is still open. The question now is which of these gambles will define the season.