Arsenal and Liverpool pursue attacking reinforcements
With the Premier League season underway, clubs have one week remaining in the transfer window to finalise squad adjustments. Many managers and sporting directors are using the opening match results to identify areas needing reinforcement. The transfer window is set to close on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST.
Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, have already strengthened their midfield with Bruno Guimaraes, their wing with Christos Tzolis, and their defence with Ezri Konsa. However, the club is still actively seeking a forward, with a long-standing interest in Julian Alvarez. Despite the complexities of a potential deal, Arsenal remains prepared to act if an opportunity arises. Reports suggest that Alvarez is open to a move, having previously favoured Barcelona, and is considered a priority signing for the Gunners.
Another option for Arsenal’s attack is Victor Osimhen, whose reported price tag is around £55m, offering a potentially more economical alternative to Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is focused on replacing Mohamed Salah. PSG star Bradley Barcola appears to be a primary target, though PSG has reportedly set a fee between £111m and £128m. Barcola was notably absent from PSG’s squad for their match against Rennes, indicating potential movement. Liverpool is also reportedly targeting Barcola’s teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye, for approximately £50m. Additionally, the Reds have enquired about Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, with a third bid reportedly imminent for the 22-year-old, who has a reported asking price of £60m. Minteh has reportedly agreed personal terms, suggesting a move could be close.
Aston Villa and Manchester United address squad needs
Aston Villa faces significant changes following several high-profile departures this summer. The transfer saga surrounding striker Ollie Watkins, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal attempting to sign him, has prompted Villa to seek a replacement, with Nicolas Jackson identified as a target. Watkins’ omission from Villa’s squad has fuelled speculation about his potential move to Al-Hilal, who previously had a £45m bid rejected. Villa is also in the market for a winger and a defender, having opened talks for Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez after bids for Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis were rejected.
Manchester United is reportedly close to securing Carlos Baleba from Brighton, with an announcement expected for a deal structured as an initial £65m plus £5m in performance-related add-ons. However, United still requires a left-back and has been strongly linked with Lewis Hall, who has impressed at Newcastle. Hall is expected to command a fee upwards of £70m, though Newcastle’s manager has stated Hall is not for sale.
Manchester City has agreed an €100m deal with Lille for 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. This move is part of City’s midfield rebuild following the departures of players such as Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders. Bouaddi’s deal includes an initial €95m with a potential €5m in add-ons. City is also reportedly interested in Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, though no club-to-club talks have occurred, and Liverpool is reportedly unwilling to sell him without a guaranteed replacement.
City is also preparing for player exits, with Savinho reportedly set to join Tottenham in an £85m deal, becoming City’s record sale. Omar Marmoush is also expected to move to Tottenham, initially on loan with a mandatory £50m fee next summer. Nico Gonzalez could also depart, with reports linking him to Newcastle in a £50m deal.
Other Premier League club movements
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso considers his squad largely complete, but the priority for the club is to reduce the squad size from 39 players to around 25 before the deadline. While supporters may desire another star forward or a new goalkeeper, the focus is on outgoings to manage squad depth, especially without European competition this season.
Coventry City is reportedly in pursuit of Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who is looking to restart his career after a suspension. Defensive cover is also a likely need for Coventry. Crystal Palace, preparing for their Europa League campaign, needs additional players, particularly a senior centre-back, a need amplified by Chadi Riad’s injury in their opening Premier League game against Everton. Axel Disasi has joined, but a permanent move for another centre-back and a central midfielder are still sought.
Everton is actively seeking a recognised right-back, a long-standing issue for the club. The team has used midfielders like Merlin Rohl, Jake O’Brien, and James Garner in the position. Additionally, Everton may look for another striker, with questions surrounding Beto and Thierno Barry. Liam Delap has been linked with the club. Everton is also open to offers for Jake O’Brien and Beto, who are attracting interest from clubs in England, Italy, and France.
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa is content with the club’s transfer business but is open to balancing the squad further. Attempts to sign an additional central defender, such as Rennes’ Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, have been explored, indicating this could be a key area for strengthening. Fulham is also reported to still need a right winger.
Bournemouth is nearing a deal for Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who is expected to join on a season-long loan with an option to buy for £12m plus add-ons. If the option is not triggered, an additional loan fee of £1.3m will apply. The club is also focused on retaining key players like forward Eli Junior Kroupi and midfielder Alex Scott, despite interest from larger clubs.
Brentford is in a strong position after recent squad strengthening but has been looking at left-back options, with West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf strongly linked. However, with Keane Lewis-Potter, Rico Henry, and Aaron Hickey available, it does not appear to be an urgent need. The team has also added experienced striking cover in Callum Wilson, suggesting a quiet end to the transfer window for the Bees.
Brighton anticipates the departure of Yankuba Minteh to Liverpool and Carlos Baleba to Manchester United, which could prompt the club to seek midfield reinforcements and another forward. Chairman Tony Bloom has emphasised the club’s commitment to evolving and innovating while adhering to its data-driven recruitment principles, as demonstrated before their 4-0 win against Aston Villa.
Source: bbc.co.uk