Transfer News: Al Hilal Target Martinelli as Man City Prepare Improved Bid For Enzo Fernández
Al Hilal are pushing to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, while Manchester City are reportedly ready to meet Chelsea’s £120 million asking price for Enzo Fernández.
The summer transfer window is entering its final stages, with several major clubs still working on high-profile deals.
Al Hilal have opened talks with Arsenal over a potential move for Martinelli. The Saudi Pro League club are reportedly prepared to pursue a permanent transfer for the Brazil international.
According to reports, Arsenal are seeking a fee of around £60 million for Martinelli. The winger is also believed to be open to a move to Saudi Arabia after previously rejecting interest from clubs in Türkiye.
Al Hilal are reportedly targeting more than one Premier League player. The Saudi club are also in discussions with Aston Villa over a possible deal for striker Ollie Watkins.
Manchester City ready to make Enzo Fernández move
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to meet Chelsea’s £120 million valuation of Enzo Fernández.
The Argentina international has emerged as a major target as City look to strengthen their midfield under new manager Enzo Maresca.
City have already seen significant midfield changes this summer. The departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have created room for another major addition.
Chelsea are reportedly willing to consider Fernández’s departure if their valuation is met. A £120 million deal would make the midfielder one of the most expensive transfers in Premier League history.
Arsenal identify Martinelli replacement
Should Martinelli leave Arsenal, the Gunners have already identified potential alternatives.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Lille is reportedly among Arsenal’s targets. The 21-year-old Belgium international joined Lille from Antwerp in 2024.
His performances have also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig. Lille have reportedly rejected offers of around €40 million and could demand approximately €70 million for the young winger.
Arsenal could therefore face another major transfer decision before the window closes.
Newcastle close in on Nico González
Newcastle United are reportedly making progress in their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Nico González.
The proposed deal is valued at around £50 million, with a club-to-club agreement said to be close.
González joined Manchester City from FC Porto in January 2025 for a similar fee. He remains under contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2029.
Newcastle are still working on personal terms with the Spanish midfielder’s representatives.
Aston Villa continue Harwood-Bellis talks
Aston Villa remain in negotiations with Southampton over Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Southampton have reportedly rejected an offer worth £20 million plus £4 million in add-ons. However, discussions are continuing, with confidence reportedly growing that an agreement can be reached.
Villa see the England international as a potential long-term replacement for Ezri Konsa, who recently moved to Arsenal in a £51 million deal.
Manchester United monitor Alejandro Balde
Manchester United are monitoring Alejandro Balde’s situation at Barcelona as they consider a possible late move for the left-back.
United have been searching for another option in the position and previously made enquiries about Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall.
However, sources have reportedly played down the chances of United completing a deal for Balde before the transfer deadline.
Arsenal also interested in Julian Alvarez
Arsenal could make a late move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez if they receive encouragement from the player or his club.
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However, reports suggest Alvarez would prefer a move to Barcelona rather than returning to the Premier League.
The striker’s future remains one of the biggest stories of the final stages of the transfer window.
Other transfer rumours
Liverpool continue to regard Bradley Barcola as a priority target. However, competition could emerge from a Saudi Pro League club for the Paris Saint-Germain winger.
Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to consider offers for Joshua Zirkzee, despite interest from Aston Villa and clubs in Serie A.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku is reportedly close to returning to RB Leipzig on loan from AC Milan.
Other reported developments include:
- Aston Villa have contacted Club Brugge regarding young defender Joel Ordóñez.
- Hull City have reached a verbal agreement with Nice for forward Mohamed Ali-Cho.
- A proposed transfer taking Luis Henrique from Inter Milan to Roma has collapsed.
- Napoli are considering Chelsea striker Marc Guiu as they search for another forward.
- Brentford are preparing an improved offer for West Ham left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf.
- Lille have identified Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël as a possible replacement for Ayyoub Bouaddi.
- Como are preparing a move for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean.
- Bayern Munich winger Bryan Zaragoza is reportedly close to joining Espanyol.
With the transfer window approaching its final stage, several clubs are expected to accelerate negotiations as they attempt to complete their remaining deals.
