Manchester United have already missed out on a number of midfield transfer targets this summer and they could be about to lose out on another.

The Red Devils’ number one priority before the summer transfer window opened was Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but the 23-year-old has made the move to the Etihad Stadium instead, signing for Manchester City.

United balked at the price tag for the England international, with City having to splash out £116million, with add-ons taking the deal to the £130million mark – a British transfer record.

Tottenham beat Man Utd to Fernandes signing

via Reuters

Manchester United turned their attentions to other targets and were heavily linked with a move for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

They looked well set to complete a deal for the 21-year-old, but again questioned the £85million price tag with Tottenham swooping to get him.

Sandro Tonali was linked, but he is also joining Spurs in a £100million deal, leading United to turn to other targets.

Ederson will complete a move to Old Trafford after the World Cup is over, a £38million deal having been agreed with Atalanta for his signature.

But United were always clear they wanted two new central midfield signings, and they were even potentially looking at three were Manuel Ugarte to be sold this summer. His injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay will put paid to any chance of him leaving this summer, but it could also mean United do still make a third move, given his unavailability.

GIVEMESPORT understands United still have an agreement in place with Carlos Baleba from a year ago, but would need to go back to Brighton & Hove Albion to negotiate a fee.

The “dream” signing, after the Anderson opportunity fell through, was seen to be Aurelien Tchouameni at Real Madrid.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano said: “Tchouameni is a dream signing for Man United. They love the player, but at the moment, the financials of the deal are considered still too high, because also the salary – it is not just about Real Madrid, it’s also about the salary. The salary of Aurelien Tchouameni is considered too high. So, the only way to open doors to Aurelien Tchouameni to Manchester United after missing out on Fernandes is to discuss a completely different salary, and at the moment, it is still not something happening.”

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand described Tchouameni as a “top-tier” talent suggesting United should be the first team knocking at the door to sign the “absolute powerhouse”.

No deal for Tchouameni

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But any knocks at the door appear like they will be unanswered.

According to Teamtalk, Tchouameni is now expected to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with new boss Jose Mourinho offering him the chance to establish himself as one of his key midfielders. real had been linked with moves for Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Rodri, but neither are seen as viable targets in this transfer window, leading to Tchouameni playing an important role under Mourinho.

Arsenal have opened talks to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The Gunners get to make a new signing this summer as they look to build on a phenomenal season that saw them lift the Premier League title.

It’s been a slow start to the window for Arsenal, with Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and PSG star Bradley Barcola their priority targets at the moment.

They are yet to get a deal over the line, but they do appear to be working on multiple transfers.

The Gunners shouldn’t need too many additions in the summer transfer window after winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final last season.

Arsenal Hold Talks to Sign Striker

via Reuters

According to a report from German outlet Bild, Arsenal have held talks with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal’s interest in the forward, labelled ‘one of Europe’s most exciting strikers’, is described as serious, and he’s been on their radar since impressing against them back in March during a Champions League clash.

One of Kofane’s representatives, Eric Depolo, has already confirmed Arsenal’s interest, suggesting they’d have a top striker for the next ten years.

“Arsenal’s interest is serious. With Kofane, Arsenal would have a top striker for the next 10 years. He’s a €100m player.”

Arsenal do face competition for his signature, but Arsenal will be leading in the race due to having Champions League football.

Arsenal might not have faith in Gyokeres

Arsenal brought Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres to the club last summer, but they might not have full faith in him, considering they are interested in signing another forward.

The former Sporting man scored a reasonable number of goals last season, but if Arsenal want to go to the next level, they might be looking to bring in an upgrade.

Kofane might not be that man right now, considering he is just 19 years old and he’s likely to be a striker for the future.

Despite his age, he did play 29 times for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last season, providing nine goal contributions.

Signing a long-term option up front could be smart, as they don’t have a high-potential striker on the books.

England fans have been told to brace for a bumpy night, with reports from the ground in Mexico City suggesting the last-16 tie against Mexico may not get away on schedule.

Thomas Tuchel‘s side face the co-hosts in their World Cup Round of 16 clash at 6pm local time on Sunday, meaning UK supporters are looking at a 1am kick-off.

FIFA had spent several hours in talks about shifting the game forward to 7pm UK time before scrapping the idea, but forecasters and reporters on site say the original slot still carries real risk.

Presenter Warns of Severe Storms

Thomas Tuchel via Reuters/Jim Rassol​​​​​​​

TalkSPORT’s Olivia Buzaglo, reporting from Mexico City on Saturday, described torrential rain and repeated lightning strikes hitting the city less than 24 hours before kick-off, saying conditions made it seem “absolutely no way the game kicks off at 6pm tomorrow.”

Journalist Paul Brown posted similar footage of the downpour, noting the sheer intensity of the thunder overhead.

Mexico’s last-32 win over Ecuador was already delayed by an hour due to a storm, and Buzaglo believes England’s game could face a similar delay.

BBC Weather Backs Up the Concerns

REUTERS/Carlos Perez Gallardo via Action Images

BBC lead weather presenter Ben Rich explained that daily storms are typical for Mexico City this time of year, but Sunday’s setup looks more volatile than usual.

He pointed to an unstable atmosphere driven by pressure troughs moving over central Mexico, which he said “will allow the air to rise rapidly – forming the big cumulonimbus clouds that produce thunderstorms.”

Rich added that storm activity typically peaks in the late afternoon and evening, which lines up almost exactly with the scheduled kick-off, and that hail can’t be ruled out either.

A midday start, he noted, would have carried a smaller — though not zero — risk of disruption.

Why the Kick-Off Change Was Scrapped

REUTERS/Henry Romero

FIFA’s original motivation wasn’t just the weather — the governing body was reportedly acting on fan-safety concerns after four people died following crowd issues at Mexico’s last World Cup match in the same city.

But the FA and Mexican federation pushed back over the impact on travel, logistics and player preparation, and the plan was dropped.

Mexico boss Javier Aguirre had been unhappy at the prospect of losing preparation time, saying simply: “Fifa organises, Fifa decides, and I comply.”

England topped Group L unbeaten before needing a late Harry Kane brace to see off DR Congo in the last 32. Mexico, meanwhile, have not conceded a goal all tournament, beating Ecuador 2-0 to set up Sunday’s clash.

Whatever happens with the weather, kick-off remains locked in for 6pm local time — for now.