Man Utd in £65m Baleba talks as Arsenal close on Konsa and Liverpool seek Salah heir

Manchester United are in talks over a £65m deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, Arsenal are closing in on Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, and Liverpool continue their search for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah as the summer transfer window approaches its September 1 deadline.

United, under Michael Carrick, have identified Baleba as a priority target, with the fee in the region of £65m. The move would represent one of the club’s most significant pieces of summer business as they look to reshape their midfield.

At Arsenal, the pursuit of Konsa is gathering pace. The 28-year-old England international is Mikel Arteta’s preferred option at right-sided defender, a position that has become urgent after both William Saliba and Jurrien Timber were ruled out for the start of the Premier League season with long-term injuries. Konsa’s versatility — he can operate at centre-back or right-back — is a key part of his appeal to Arteta.

According to The Athletic, talks between the two clubs have progressed to ownership level as both sides work to close a gap in valuations. Arsenal have been willing to pay £40m, while Aston Villa rate their player closer to £60m. A deal is not yet done, but the direction of travel is positive.

Liverpool, meanwhile, remain active in the market as they look to plan for life after Salah, with the Egyptian’s future at Anfield still unresolved. Andoni Iraola’s side have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, as the club seek to add width to their attack.

Elsewhere, Arsenal’s reported interest in Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid has received a complication from an unexpected direction. Barcelona have reportedly dropped their own pursuit of the Argentine after Atletico’s firm stance on his availability deterred sporting director Deco, who confirmed the club are still searching for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski following his departure.

“Replacing Robert is much more difficult. It’s really tough to replace a player like him,” Deco said. “We have some internal solutions, but we have to look. There is a lot of noise. I think there will be more movement, we are still working hard.”

With less than two weeks until the window closes, activity across the Premier League is expected to intensify significantly.