Transfer Updates: Enzo Fernandez, Balde, Martinelli, Nico Gonzalez, Minteh, Others

Manchester City are ready to meet Chelsea’s £120 million transfer valuation of Enzo Fernandez as new manager Enzo Maresca looks to rebuild his midfield.

Football Insider reports that the Argentina international has emerged as a major transfer target, with Chelsea open to a sale if their asking price is met.

The departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have brought in more than £100m for City, giving Maresca the financial room to pursue a marquee midfield signing before the transfer window closes.

Manchester United have also stepped up their transfer interest in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde. Sport reports that the 22-year-old Spain international has authorised his agent, Jorge Mendes, to negotiate with United, who view him as a more affordable alternative to Newcastle defender Lewis Hall.

United could offer around €40m for Balde, while Barcelona are reportedly open to selling as they look to raise funds for a new striker. The arrival of Joao Cancelo and the emergence of Xavi Espart have also increased competition around the left-back position.

Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli could be heading for Saudi Arabia. The Athletic reports that Al Hilal are in talks with the Gunners over a permanent move for the Brazilian, although an agreement is yet to be reached.

Arsenal are believed to want around £60m for Martinelli, who is now reportedly open to a Saudi move after previously rejecting interest from Turkey. Al Hilal are also negotiating with Aston Villa over a possible deal for England striker Ollie Watkins.

Newcastle United have made major progress in their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez. Fabrizio Romano reports that a club-to-club agreement worth around £50m is close, although the Magpies must still agree personal terms with the Spain international.

Gonzalez joined City from Porto for around £50m in January 2025 and has since made 36 Premier League appearances for the club.

Aston Villa are searching for defensive reinforcements following Ezri Konsa’s £51m move to Arsenal. Unai Emery’s side have contacted Club Brugge over Ecuador centre-back Joel Ordonez and remain in transfer talks with Southampton over Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Southampton have rejected Villa’s latest transfer offer, reportedly worth £20m plus £4m in add-ons, but the two clubs are believed to be edging closer to an agreement.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are preparing to step up their pursuit of Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh. The Reds were expected to hold fresh talks with Brighton as they consider making a third bid for the Gambia international.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool’s priority target, although interest from Saudi Arabia could complicate a move for the French international.

Elsewhere, Manchester United have reportedly placed a £40m valuation on Joshua Zirkzee, with Juventus, Napoli and Aston Villa linked with the Netherlands forward. However, other reports insist United have no plans to entertain offers for the 25-year-old.

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has also dismissed suggestions that Turkey international Kenan Yildiz could join Arsenal, insisting the forward will not be leaving the Italian club.

RB Leipzig have reached a verbal agreement with AC Milan to re-sign Christopher Nkunku on a season-long loan with an option to buy, according to Sky Sports Germany. Newcastle were said to have attempted to hijack the deal, but the France international had already made up his mind about returning to Leipzig.

Barcelona are playing down reports linking them with Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio. However, Sporting manager Rui Borges has refused to rule out a move to either Barcelona or AC Milan after leaving the Portugal international out of his starting line-up against Alverca.

Brentford are preparing an improved £37m offer for West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf as they look to strengthen their defence before the transfer deadline.

In the Championship, Hull City have reached a verbal agreement with Nice for Mohamed Ali-Cho in a transfer deal worth around £13m.

Napoli are also considering a move for Chelsea striker Marc Guiu as the Serie A side explore attacking options.

The proposed transfer of Inter Milan forward Luis Henrique to Roma has collapsed after the Brazilian failed to agree personal terms with the capital club.