Manchester City targets Palmeiras midfielder Allan, United sign Baleba

Manchester City are closing in on their next Brazilian project. Allan, the highly rated Palmeiras midfielder, is on the verge of a move to the Etihad with talks between the clubs accelerating on Saturday night, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Enzo Maresca’s side are expected to pay around €40m (£34m) for the 21-year-old, a fee that underlines how quickly City want to refresh the core of their squad with emerging talent rather than wait for the market to move around them.

United walk away from Lewis-Skelly and land Baleba

Across town, Manchester United have taken a very different path in midfield.

The club backed away from a move for Arsenal’s versatile youngster Lewis-Skelly after balking at the price. Both United and Chelsea had shown interest in the Gunners prospect, who can also operate in midfield, and Arsenal were open to a sale.

Then came the sticking point. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal’s valuation was simply “too high” for United, who chose not to push negotiations any further and instead turned back to a long-standing target: Carlos Baleba.

That decision has now crystallised into a major deal. United are poised to sign Baleba after agreeing a package with Brighton worth £65m plus £5m in add-ons, with a sell‑on clause included. Romano reports that all documents between the clubs have been signed and exchanged, clearing the way for the 22-year-old to travel for a medical this weekend.

United had already seen an initial bid of £60m plus £5m in add-ons rejected. Brighton held firm, United nudged the fixed fee up to £65m, and the two clubs finally shook hands. It ends a pursuit that has stretched for more than a year and gives United a powerful, long-term option in the centre of the pitch.

Back at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has moved to shut down any lingering noise around Lewis-Skelly, insisting he is “100 per cent” certain the youngster will stay put.

Arsenal’s audacious Alvarez push and the Konsa addition

Arsenal are not stopping there. Despite Alvarez making it clear he does not want a return to England after leaving Manchester City for Barcelona in 2024, the Gunners are still pushing hard.

Spanish outlet SPORT reports that Atletico Madrid would actually prefer to send their striker to Arsenal rather than a La Liga rival, and the north London club are said to be ready to test every limit to make it happen.

The proposed package is staggering: Viktor Gyokeres plus €80m (£68m) for Alvarez. On top of that, Arsenal are reported to be willing to offer the Argentina international an annual salary of €25m (£21m), a deal that would place him among the club’s highest earners and, according to the same report, would effectively double his current wages.

It is a last-ditch attempt to drag a reluctant star back to the Premier League. Whether his stance softens under that level of financial and sporting temptation is another matter entirely.

One deal they have already banked is Ezri Konsa. The England defender completed a £55m move from Aston Villa earlier this week, adding proven Premier League and international experience to Arteta’s back line.

Arsenal’s 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. The club believe he will slot straight into their style of play and bring leadership as well as versatility.

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.

Liverpool test Brighton’s resolve over Minteh

While Brighton are cashing in on Baleba, they are digging in over Yankuba Minteh.

Liverpool have seen an opening bid for the winger rejected, with The Athletic reporting that Brighton turned down an offer of around £50m. The tone from the south coast, though, suggests the gap is not huge and that a deal may not be far away.

Liverpool have been searching for a natural option on the right flank, and Minteh fits that profile. With their first bid already close to Brighton’s expectations, it increasingly feels like only the final details will decide whether the 19-year-old ends up at Anfield.

City reshaping, United finally landing a midfield cornerstone, Arsenal swinging for the fences, Liverpool closing in on width: the window is still open, and the next move could tilt an entire season.