Transfer Rumours: Cody Gakpo hijack as Man Utd signing accelerates

25 Aug 2026 06:02 BST | 6 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 25 August, including the latest updates on Cody Gakpo, Alejandro Balde and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

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Man City enter Gakpo race

Man City have entered the race to sign Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, Fabrizio Romano understands.

The Netherlands international has become a target for the Cityzens. With Omar Marmoush set to follow Savinho to Tottenham, City need attacking reinforcements. Ironically, Gakpo is also being chased by Spurs, who have already agreed personal terms.

City themselves are now working on an agreement with the versatile forward. However, Liverpool will only greenlight a departure if they can manage to bring in two new attackers before the deadline.

Balde warming to Man Utd move

Alejandro Balde is beginning to have doubts about his Barcelona future, as per COPE.

The defender was omitted from the Blaugrana's squad for their LaLiga opener due to the recent transfer speculation, which has linked him with a move to Man Utd. The Red Devils have enquired about Balde in their search for a new left-back.

Barcelona are open to a sale, and Hansi Flick has hinted that he has been unhappy with the player's commitment and application in training. Balde was initially planning to stay in Catalunya, but the coach's criticism could now push him to Man Utd.

Mateta offered to Man Utd

Jean-Philippe Mateta is once again desperately pushing to leave Crystal Palace, TEAMtalk claims.

The France international has attempted to rip up his contract by claiming that the one-year extension Palace exercised isn't actually valid and that he should be free to move this summer. Because of his behaviour, a transfer in the final days can't be ruled out.

His representatives are actively trying to attract suitors and have offered him to Man Utd, among others. However, the Red Devils are unlikely to make a move unless they sell Marcus Rashford or Joshua Zirkzee.

Fernandez deal expected

Man City "expect" to reach an agreement with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez this week, according to Gianluca di Marzio.

The Etihad side have offloaded Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, and they are also set to sell Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle. There is a belief that this should be enough to have the necessary financial wiggle room to make another midfield signing after Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Having let Chelsea's deadline pass two weeks ago, City are aware that they will need to pay more than €140 million for Fernandez this late in the window. Nevertheless, they are optimistic about signing the Argentine.

Arsenal intensify Alvarez chase

Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, TEAMtalk writes.

The Gunners are prepared to pay the €150m that is believed to be required to get a deal done, and they are intensifying their efforts to persuade the Argentine to consider a move to London.

Alvarez has been pretty clear that he does not want to return to England, but with his dream transfer to Barcelona seemingly impossible and his relationship with Atleti broken, he may ultimately be left with no choice.

More transfer rumours

Club Brugge star Nicolo Tresoldi is once again emerging as a potential striker option for Barcelona. (AS)

Man Utd have not yet given up on their hopes of signing Myles Lewis-Skelly despite deeming Arsenal's €60m valuation excessive. (The Sun)

Nottingham Forest are closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap. (Ben Jacobs)

AC Milan are interested in signing Man Utd full-back Noussair Mazraoui. (CaughtOffside)

Man City have agreed a €40m deal to sign Palmeiras winger Allan. (Fabrizio Romano)

Newcastle have joined RB Leipzig and Arsenal in the race for Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo. (L'Equipe)

Bologna, Eintracht Frankfurt and RC Lens are interested in bringing highly-rated young centre-back Nathan Zeze back to Europe after a year at NEOM SC. (Foot Mercato)

Brighton are exploring deals for Young Boys defender Jaouen Hadjam and Deportivo La Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez. (Sky Sports)