Manchester United have enjoyed a proactive start to the summer transfer window, but will not rush into purchasing a third and final midfielder before the market closes.

The Red Devils are conducting a dramatic revamp in the centre of the park following the departure of veteran Casemiro. Michael Carrick has already seen Andrey Santos arrive from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans snapped up from rivals Aston Villa.

Man Utd splurged around £100million on those two additions but are known to be in the market for one more marquee signing in midfield for the 2026/27 campaign. Several names have been touted, with one Premier League star reportedly desperate to make the move to Old Trafford.

Carlos Baleba ‘very keen’ on Man Utd move

via Reuters

Brighton star Carlos Baleba has long been linked with a move to Man Utd. The Red Devils nearly signed the 22-year-old last summer, but were put off by the Seagulls’ lofty £100million valuation.

After an underwhelming campaign at the Amex Stadium, TEAMtalk report that the Brighton valuation has dropped to £70million, which could prove a more tempting offer for United.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also provided the latest on the speculation. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano claimed that Baleba is ‘super keen’ on a move to the Theatre of Dreams with negotiating power in the hands of United.

He said: “Baleba is also a player who would be super keen on joining Manchester United.

“Already one year ago, Baleba wanted to go to Man Utd, but on this one, it’s on Man Utd to decide if they want to return in talks with Brighton or not.

“So, that’s the status around these players. That’s the status around these midfielders.”

Man Utd frustrate Roma with transfer hesitancy

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With the confidence that the club is Baleba’s number one choice of destination, Man Utd will not rush for a move. The club are also considering a swoop for AS Roma star Manu Kone.

The French international could be available for £50million, which would provide a £20million saving on Baleba. Kone is believed to have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Man Utd, putting the Premier League side in a comfortable position once again.

The Red Devils’ lack of urgency is said to be frustrating Roma. The Corriere dello Sport claims that the Serie A giants are still waiting for an offer and are frustrated by the pace at which negotiations are proceeding.

Roma are not expected to offer Man Utd an ultimatum yet. Romano labelled that deal an ‘open story’ in his latest update.

Real Madrid are said to be ramping up their efforts to sign a player Arsenal have enquired about this summer. The Gunners are not hiding their pursuit of a left-winger this summer, with Mikel Arteta desperate to finally address the left side of his attack, which has been the weakest side for some time, even if Leandro Trossard did play an important role there last season.

Arsenal are willing to spend big money on a new left winger, but they must also balance their search with their pursuit of a new number 8, with Arteta keen to add to his midfield. But top players are not easy to sign, and that has so far proved the case for the Gunners this summer, with Chelsea snatching Morgan Rogers from their grasp, and the search goes on.

Arsenal have reached out to Yan Diomande

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Speaking last week, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal had reached out to winger Yan Diomande over a potential move for the RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast star. Romano said: “Then talking about the wingers’ market, we have to see how Arsenal will react – wingers and strikers – because this depends on opportunities. For example, just to give you some context, Arsenal over the last few days made some checks with the agents of Yan Diomande from Red Bull Leipzig to understand if there was still a chance to enter the deal.

“But don’t forget Diomande has an agreement on personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain, and Paris Saint-Germain are in negotiations with Leipzig. But, for example, Arsenal made some calls to understand the situation of Diomande, just to give you context of what happened over the recent days.”

Diomande’s profile raised even further during the World Cup, when he impressed with Ivory Coast, and many expect the 19-year-old to be the next winger superstar, already climbing towards the top level at his young age.

Leipzig chief Marcel Schafer has said of the winger: “He’s a left winger with outstanding pace, strong dribbling, athleticism and a real eye for goal. On top of that, he never gives up on a ball and plays with great team spirit.”

Real Madrid make their move for Diomande

Thomas Mukoya via Reuters

While DIomande is said to have agreed to join PSG, Real Madrid are now said to be making a move, with David Ornstein reporting on X: “EXCL: Real Madrid enter race to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. #RMFC in club-to-club talks with #RBLeipzig over winger. Paris Saint-Germain retain interest + 19yo chose #PSG as next destination but not yet at level of finance required.”

Romano followed that update up with another claim of Arsenal interest, but Diomande is not keen to make the move to the Premier League. “Manchester City and Arsenal made calls for Yan Diomande over last 10 days but player’s not opening doors,” Romano posted. “No bids from PL + only club going all in to face PSG is Real Madrid with first €90m plus €10m bid rejected by RB Leipzig.”

Arsenal look to be out of the race, but they are said to be interested in Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, so Los Blancos signing Diomande could help.

Arsenal are now looking to press ahead with their efforts to land their primary midfielder target this summer. The Gunners are looking to add to two key positions this summer, and from there, it will be about filling out the squad in the wake of any potential departures.

The left wing and midfield are in need of strengthening, and to be specific, Mikel Arteta wants a number 8 who can dominate defensively and also spark transitions by carrying the ball into the final third.

Those two deals will not come cheap, and Arsenal are well aware of that, especially given they are on the lookout for clear upgrades, which are not easy to find when you have such a strong squad, as Arsenal do.

But there could be a deal to be done for midfielder priority Bruno Guimaraes, and that’s despite Newcastle United already losing two key players in Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer.

Arsenal now ready to make Guimaraes push

Arsenal have been linked with Guimaraes for much of the summer, but reports suggest that have largely been playing the waiting games, holding discussions with representatives but not yet approaching Newcastle.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are now ready to push ahead in a bid to strike a deal, but it will all come down to price.

“Arsenal set for new club to club contacts next week for Bruno Guimarães deal. Personal terms in place and new approach with Newcastle anticipated to proceed + £70m proposal expected to be improved. Deal depends on #NUFC decision on exit/price.”

Reports this summer have suggested that Newcastle may hold out for closer to £85million, or at least £80million, and that will give Arsenal a decision to make.

The Gunners need to be careful with their spending, given they know a world-class winger signing is likely to cost them a giant sum, potentially nine figures. Arsenal’s off-the-pitch profits mean they do have the space to spend, albeit a couple of sales may be necessary to be on the safe side, but their spending is not going to be in the £250-£300million range, as it has been in the past, so they need to be careful how much they spend on Guimaraes, and how much money they leave for that all-important left-wing signing, which is arguably more important.

Guimaraes an ‘exceptional’ midfielder

Guimaraes has become one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League, and perhaps worldwide, during his time at Newcastle United. Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti said of the midfielder recently: “Bruno is a very important player for us. He has quality, personality and character. He is able to play in different positions and gives us a lot of energy in midfield. He has shown that he can be decisive with the ball, but also works hard without it.”

Eddie Howe added: “Players like Bruno are not around every corner. They are very, very rare. Bruno should be appreciated for everything he brings.” Even Pep Guardiola, after facing the Brazilian, has said in the past: “He is an exceptional holding midfielder. He is aggressive, with the ball or without.”