Arsenal and Manchester United pursue attacking options
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly interested in Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kaua Elias. Both clubs are monitoring the 20-year-old, who has impressed since joining Shakhtar and recently scored a hat-trick. Elias is considered one of the club’s top prospects, with a potential fee of around €35m being discussed. Both Arsenal and Manchester United are assessing attacking options for the new season.
Additionally, Arsenal and Manchester United are scouting Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito. Both clubs sent scouts to observe the 21-year-old during pre-season, with Arsenal having monitored the striker for several months. Inter publicly considers Esposito “untouchable,” but the club has privately set an asking price of around £73m. The striker is understood to be open to a move to the Premier League.
Arsenal is also expected to reignite interest in Julian Alvarez after failing to secure Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid. Reports suggest that personal terms on a contract have already been agreed. While Alvarez reportedly prefers a move to Barcelona, he has not ruled out returning to the Premier League. A move for Alvarez could impact the future of Viktor Gyokeres.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola and defensive reinforcements
Liverpool is actively pursuing PSG winger Bradley Barcola. Talks have occurred between the clubs, but a significant gap in valuation remains, with PSG demanding a substantial fee for the France international. Arsenal is also monitoring Barcola and could attempt to intervene in Liverpool’s move as they seek a replacement for Vinicius Jr. Liverpool remains keen on the 23-year-old to strengthen their attack.
Barcola moved to PSG from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5m. He has since won three Ligue 1 titles and the French Cup twice. Barcola, who is right-footed, prefers to play on the left wing but can also operate on the right or through the middle. With PSG having other wide options such as Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and France’s Desire Doue, a move to Anfield could offer Barcola more playing time.
Barcola’s statistics highlight his strengths as a winger with a centre-forward’s instincts. He averaged 3.5 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 last season and converted chances into 11 league goals, outperforming his expected goals (xG). He was the only player across Europe’s top five leagues to average more than two shot-ending carries per 90 minutes. His 9.83 xG ranked in the 95th percentile among wingers in Europe’s top five leagues. Barcola also averaged 8.69 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes, ranking seventh among over 1,500 eligible players.
His passing profile in the Champions League has shown an increasing focus on progressing play in the final third. Barcola also ranked ninth across Europe’s top five leagues for possessions won in the final third last season, reflecting an aggressive pressing style. At 23, his blend of pace, intelligent movement, shot volume, pressing, and creative output suggests continued improvement.
Liverpool is also close to securing Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo to address a defensive injury situation. Reports indicate that the Reds have agreed a deal with the LaLiga champions for a season-long loan for the Uruguay international. Liverpool will have the option to sign the 27-year-old permanently next summer.
Other significant transfer movements
Bruno Guimaraes’ move to Arsenal has been effectively confirmed by Newcastle, with an official announcement expected soon. The deal is understood to be worth around £75million, potentially rising to £80m. Guimaraes would be the third arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer, following Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis. Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson has suggested Arsenal had hoped to pay a smaller fee for the 28-year-old.
Manchester City is pursuing Enzo Fernandez as a potential replacement for Rodri, who is reportedly bound for Barcelona. Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Manchester City is working on two potential midfield additions alongside the already completed signing of Elliot Anderson. Fernandez has emerged as a priority target for City, with manager Enzo Maresca reportedly keen on a reunion with his former vice-captain, though a deal is expected to be challenging. City is also interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed during the recent World Cup with Morocco, and talks are underway.
Tottenham is exploring a deal for Villarreal striker Georges Mikautadze. The Georgia international is on Spurs’ shortlist as they aim to enhance their attacking capabilities. Mikautadze has made an impression since moving to Villarreal last summer in a deal worth approximately €30million. Cody Gakpo and Savinho are also of interest to Spurs as they seek attacking reinforcements.
Barcelona had a £38.6million bid for Manchester City midfielder Rodri rejected, with the Premier League side seeking a fee closer to their £68.5m valuation. Manchester City believes Barcelona’s offer is too far below their valuation to consider meaningful club-to-club talks at this stage. Barcelona is expected to submit a second bid for the former Atletico Madrid midfielder.
Chelsea is set to confirm the arrival of Pep Chavarria, but could potentially lose both Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto to Manchester City. Manchester United, in need of a new left-back, has turned their attention to Jorge Salinas after Newcastle ruled out selling Lewis Hall. Micky van de Ven has agreed a new contract with Tottenham.
Source: standard.co.uk
