Manchester United
Manchester United Focus on Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Šeško as Striker Options
Manchester United narrow striker targets to Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Šeško amid transfer evaluations.
Manchester United have honed their striker search to two leading candidates: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. The club is prioritizing the acquisition of a dedicated forward amid ongoing transfer evaluations. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is no longer considered due to Chelsea’s high valuation.
No definitive decision has been made between Watkins and Šeško, with United’s financial capacity, influenced by player sales, shaping their strategy. Although hopes of a Rashford transfer dissipated after his loan move to Barcelona, the club aims to generate around £100 million from the departures of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia.
Aston Villa maintains that Watkins is not for sale despite Arsenal’s £60 million bid earlier in the year. However, United remain optimistic that this stance might soften later in the window, valuing Watkins at approximately £45 million. This figure contrasts sharply with the higher valuation of Šeško, who is also a notable target for Newcastle United.
Newcastle is reportedly the only club advancing serious interest in Šeško, but United believe the player would prefer a move to Old Trafford. Delaying a final decision could be a strategic move as the club assesses its options.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Šeško carries a price tag near €80 million, and he is aware of United’s intent to sign him. The potential acquisition of a new striker introduces uncertainty over Rasmus Højlund’s future, whose limited goal return has prompted the club to explore alternatives. There is speculation about Højlund’s possible return to Serie A.
Arsenal
Premier League and European Clubs Active in High-Profile Transfer Negotiations
Key transfer dealings involve Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo, and other major European clubs.
The summer transfer window remains lively with multiple Premier League and European clubs pursuing notable targets. Juventus has shown interest in Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez, with the Reds potentially open to a loan deal including an option to buy. Liverpool are reportedly preparing to negotiate a deal valuing Núñez at around €65 million. Meanwhile, Arsenal are maintaining contact with Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, although they are hesitant to meet his £60 million release clause.
Chelsea are progressing towards a deal for Xavi Simons while RB Leipzig look to re-sign Christopher Nkunku. Bayern Munich’s continued interest in Luis Díaz complements their summer strategy to offload David Alaba and Ferland Mendy, though neither player is currently keen on leaving.
Manchester United have ruled out a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after failing to meet Villa’s demand for a permanent sale. Nottingham Forest’s £25 million offer for Manchester City’s James McAtee was also rejected, with the Premier League champions seeking a higher fee.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to submit a £45 million bid for João Palhinha following talks with Bayern Munich. Additionally, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are all tracking Parma center back Giovanni Leoni, valued at €35 million.
Aston Villa are increasing their offer for Galatasaray forward Barış Alper Yılmaz, though still fall short of a €40 million valuation. Barcelona face pressure from Real Madrid over defender Ronald Araújo, prompting President Joan Laporta to negotiate with Liverpool, who are readying an offer exceeding €40 million for the player. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Gerard Martín may be sold after teammate Jofre Torrents’ rise secured coach Hansi Flick’s approval.
Lastly, Barcelona lead interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, favouring a loan with an option to buy over the Blues’ €50 million asking price. Across the board, this summer’s transfer activity signals significant squad reshaping among top European clubs.
Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand Endorses Stability at Manchester United to Nurture Leny Yoro’s Potential
Rio Ferdinand stresses stability at Manchester United to help Leny Yoro reach his potential.
Manchester United’s young centre-back Leny Yoro enters his second season at Old Trafford with high expectations and crucial support from club legend Rio Ferdinand. Ferdinand has praised Yoro’s talent and work ethic while emphasizing the importance of a stable environment for his continued development.
Speaking ahead of a Premier League Summer Series match against West Ham United at MetLife Stadium, Ferdinand highlighted Yoro as a “fantastic talent,” noting, “The prospects, the talent, isn’t a question. It’s about fulfilling that talent, that potential, and I think he’s a serious person, works hard.” He added, “I still think you need the stability around him to help him as a young player.”
Yoro’s 2024–25 campaign was impacted by a serious foot injury suffered during pre-season against Arsenal, which delayed his Premier League debut until December under manager Ruben Amorim. Despite these challenges, the French defender made 21 league appearances in a season that saw United finish 15th, one of the club’s poorest performances in recent history.
Entering 2025–26, Yoro benefits from a more stable setup. The return of Lisandro Martínez and a full pre-season under Amorim enhance the prospects of the young defender. Alongside experienced centre-backs like Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, Yoro finds himself surrounded by senior professionals who can aid his development in what promises to be a pivotal season.
With no European fixtures to congest the schedule, Yoro is positioned to play a significant part in Manchester United’s defensive lineup under Amorim’s direction.
Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo Praises Ollie Watkins as ‘Complete Striker’ Amid Man Utd Transfer Talk
Bryan Mbeumo praises Ollie Watkins as a ‘complete striker’ amid links to Manchester United move.
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has spoken positively about former Brentford teammate Ollie Watkins, a player currently linked with a potential move to Old Trafford. According to reports, United are focusing their striking options on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Watkins, who is already established in the Premier League.
Mbeumo, who played alongside Watkins during the 2019–20 Championship season, highlighted his former teammate’s versatility and attributes as a forward. “I think he’s really complete…a complete striker,” Mbeumo said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. “He can do a lot of things. He can drop or go in behind. And I think this is really good for me or [any] winger because you can use his space to fit in there. And he can combine as well. So, I think it’s really good.”
During their time together at Brentford, Mbeumo, Watkins, and Matheus Cunha made a significant impact, contributing a combined 49 goals and assists in the Championship. Saïd Benrahma also featured prominently in the attacking trio, adding 25 goals and assists of his own.
Mbeumo reflected on his early days at Brentford, noting language challenges and how relationships off the pitch helped his integration: “At the start for me it was hard because I wasn’t speaking really good English. So, I clicked straight away with Saïd, who was speaking French and he’s a great player. We had Ollie, who I got to know over time, because I think it’s really important as well to have a really good relationship off the pitch with your teammates. And, after my English got better, I could have a good chat with him.”
