Premier League Transfer Window: Manchester City, United, Arsenal, and Liverpool Moves
Manchester City are closing in on their next Brazilian project, Manchester United have finally landed their midfield man, Arsenal are throwing heavyweight money at a reluctant striker, and Liverpool are edging towards a new right‑winger. The market is moving fast – and the Premier League’s biggest hitters are right in the middle of it.
Man City close on Allan deal
Manchester City are on the verge of striking a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Allan, with talks between the clubs accelerating on Saturday night.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has detailed significant progress, with Enzo Maresca’s side expected to pay a fee in the region of €40m (£34m) for the 21‑year‑old. City see Allan as another high‑ceiling talent from Brazil’s production line, a continuation of a recruitment strategy that has already brought in the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Yan Couto in recent years.
If the final details fall into place, Maresca will have a new midfield option before the window closes – one that fits City’s long‑term planning as much as their short‑term depth.
Why Man United walked away from Lewis‑Skelly
Across town, Manchester United’s midfield hunt took a different route.
United and Chelsea both explored a deal for Arsenal’s versatile youngster Myles Lewis‑Skelly, who can operate in midfield and at full‑back. Arsenal were open to a sale in principle, but only at their price.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the fee quoted was “too high” for United, who decided to step away rather than get dragged into a bidding war. That decision pushed them back towards a long‑standing target: Carlos Baleba.
Mikel Arteta has since shut the door on any late drama. The Arsenal manager has said he is “100 per cent” certain Lewis‑Skelly will stay, a clear sign that, for this window at least, the youngster’s future lies in north London.
Baleba finally lands at Old Trafford
United’s patience with Baleba has paid off.
Brighton have agreed to sell the 22‑year‑old midfielder, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that all documents between the clubs have now been signed and exchanged. The final package: £65m plus £5m in add‑ons, with a sell‑on clause included.
United had an initial offer of £60m plus £5m rejected, but talks continued and the two clubs eventually shook hands on the improved £65m plus £5m structure. It ends a pursuit that has stretched for over a year, with United tracking Baleba long before this summer.
He now arrives as a key piece of their midfield rebuild, a player the club clearly view as central to their next phase rather than just another body through the door.
Arsenal’s audacious push for Alvarez
If United’s business looks bold, Arsenal’s latest play is bordering on audacious.
Julian Alvarez has made it clear he does not want a return to England after leaving Manchester City for Barcelona in 2024. That stance has not scared Arsenal off. Far from it.
Spanish outlet SPORT reports that Atletico Madrid would actually prefer to send the striker to Arsenal rather than a La Liga rival, and the Gunners are testing that resolve with a huge proposal. The reported offer: Viktor Gyokeres plus €80m (£68m) for Alvarez.
On top of that, Arsenal are said to be willing to hand the Argentina international an annual salary of €25m (£21m), a figure that would make him one of the highest earners at the club and, according to the same report, roughly double his current wages.
It is a last‑ditch, all‑in attempt to drag a world‑class forward back to the Premier League against his own stated preference. If Alvarez bends, Arsenal’s attack changes overnight. If he doesn’t, it leaves a big question about where they turn next.
Ezri Konsa arrives in north London
One major signing has already walked through the doors at London Colney.
Ezri Konsa completed a £55m move from Aston Villa to Arsenal this week, adding proven Premier League quality to Arteta’s back line. The England international brings the kind of versatility elite squads crave, comfortable both at centre‑back and at right‑back.
Arsenal’s Sporting Director Andrea Berta did not hide his enthusiasm for the deal.
“We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Ezri Konsa. Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers.
“Being comfortable in both central defence and at right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad while maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies.
“We are welcoming a player with proven Premier League and international experience, and strong leadership qualities, who will adapt seamlessly to our style of play. Just as importantly, we are welcoming a player with the character and mentality to make an immediate impact within our club. We welcome Ezri and his family to Arsenal.”
Konsa missed Arsenal’s opening game against Coventry City but is expected to be in contention to face his former club Aston Villa on Monday, August 31. He will wear the number 15 shirt, and his first appearance in red and white could come against plenty of familiar faces.
Liverpool test Brighton’s resolve over Minteh
Brighton feature heavily in this window, and not just in dealings with United.
Liverpool have seen their opening bid for winger Yankuba Minteh rejected. The Athletic reports that the offer, worth around £50m, did not meet Brighton’s valuation, but the gap does not look huge.
The sense around the deal is that it is only a matter of time. Brighton’s stance suggests that Liverpool are not far from the number that will unlock an agreement, and Jürgen Klopp’s side are determined to secure a natural option for the right flank.
If Liverpool go back in and push the deal over the line, they will have the specialist wide player their squad has been missing on that side – and another highly coveted Brighton talent will be heading to a Champions League contender.
The window is not done, the money is still moving, and the biggest clubs are gambling on the players they believe can tilt a season. Who blinks first now: the selling clubs, or the ones chasing the final piece?
