Transfer rumors, news: Barcelona's Balde open to Man United move

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Gordon confident in fulfilling Barcelona's number nine role (2:08)

Barcelona left back Alejandro Balde is ready to join Manchester United, while Manchester City are ready to meet Chelsea's £120 million asking price for the transfer of midfielder Enzo Fernández. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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Trending rumors

- Manchester United have made contact over a move for Barcelona left back Alejandro Balde, according to Sport. United are ready sign the 22-year-old Spain international for around €40 million as a cheaper alternative to Newcastle's Lewis Hall, while player has given the green light to his agent Jorge Mendes to open talks. Barcelona are also open to the idea as they look to raise funds for a new striker, with Balde's place in the starting XI also becoming less secure following João Cancelo's permanent arrival and the emergence of young defender Xavi Espart. United are continuing to assess several full back options as we enter the final week of the transfer window.

- Manchester City are ready to meet Chelsea's £120 million asking price for the transfer of midfielder Enzo Fernández, according to Football Insider. The Argentina international has emerged as a top target for City as new manager Enzo Maresca looks to rebuild his midfield following the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders. The pair of big-money exits have provided over £100 million of funds for another major City signing, while Chelsea are open to letting Fernández leave Stamford Bridge if their valuation is met.

- Al Hilal are pursuing a deal to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, The Athletic reports. No agreement has been reached, but negotiations are ongoing between the clubs over a permanent transfer. Arsenal want a fee in the region of £60 million, while Martinelli is open to a move to Saudi Arabia after previously turning down interest from Türkiye. Al Hilal are reportedly plotting a double Premier League swoop, with talks also underway to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

- Newcastle United have made "big progress" in their £50 million pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Nico González, Fabrizio Romano has revealed. A club-to-club agreement is almost in place, although talks are ongoing with the Spanish player's representatives. Gonzalez joined Manchester City in January 2025 from FC Porto for around £50 million and has played 36 times for the club in the Premier League. He is under contract at the Etihad until June 2029.

- Aston Villa remain in negotiations with Southampton over a deal for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Sky Germany suggests. Southampton have rejected a latest offer worth £20 million plus £4 million in add-ons, but there is growing confidence that the clubs are moving closer to an agreement. Villa are targeting the England international as a long-term replacement for Ezri Konsa, who recently joined Arsenal for £51 million.

ESPN sources

- Arsenal are ready to make a move for Julian Alvarez in the final week of the transfer window if they receive encouragement from either the striker or Atletico Madrid that a deal can be done. But sources in Spain suggest former Manchester City star Alvarez would prefer a move to Barcelona over a return to the Premier League. Read

- Christopher Nkunku is on the verge of a return to RB Leipzig on loan from AC Milan. Nkunku, 28, joined Milan in 2025 from Chelsea on a deal in the region of €40 million, but he is one of several players deemed surplus to requirements under new manager Ruben Amorim. Read

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Ogden questions whether Van Dijk should still be at Liverpool

Other rumors

- PSG winger Bradley Barcola is still Liverpool's priority transfer target, although they could face fresh competition from an unnamed Saudi Pro League side over a €100 million move. (Nicolo Schira)

- Manchester United will not entertain offers for striker Joshua Zirkzee, despite interest from Aston Villa and several Serie A sides. (Sun)

- Newcastle United attempted to hijack RB Leipzig's loan move for Christopher Nkunku at the last minute. However, the France international had already made up his mind to rejoin Die Roten Bullen. (Sky Germany)

- Aston Villa have made contact with Club Brugge over young center back Joel Ordóñez. The 22-year-old, who has also been linked with Chelsea, is one of several defensive options for the club as they look to replace Konsa. (Athletic)

- Hull City have reached a verbal agreement with Nice over the signing of forward Mohamed Ali-Cho. The Tigers are set to pay around £13 million to secure his signature, although that could increase significantly if they stay in the Premier League for another season. (Fabrizio Romano)

- The proposed deal taking Luis Henrique from Internazionale to Roma is off. The Serie A champions approved the transfer, but the Brazilian forward was unable to agree contract terms with Roma. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Napoli are considering Chelsea's Marc Guiu in their search for a new striker. (Sky Sports)

- Brentford are prepared to test West Ham United's resolve by submitting an improved offer for left back El Hadji Malick Diouf. (Football Insider)

- Lille have identified Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël as Ayyoub Bouaddi's replacement. (Footmercato)

- Como are still "pushing" to sign striker Moise Kean from Fiorentina and are set to lodge a €40 million offer. (Nicolo Schira)

- A verbal agreement is in place for Bayern Munich winger Bryan Zaragoza to join Spanish club Espanyol. (Matteo Moretto)