Manchester United are engaged in several transfer dealings as Michael Carrick aims to strengthen his squad before their Premier League season opener.
The club are preparing for a frantic conclusion to the transfer window. Carrick’s team have submitted an offer reaching £65million for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as part of their midfield overhaul.
This summer, United have already completed three senior signings. Two of those were Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, who cost a combined £85m, to transform the centre of the park. Baleba would serve as the final piece of this midfield restructuring.
The Cameroon international would become the club’s priciest acquisition this summer. However, United look set to miss out on two youth products heading to Arsenal.
Double deal approaching completion
United are reportedly close to losing academy prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye to Arsenal. Winger Scanlon, 19, spent part of last term on loan at Swindon Town, while defender Ogunneye, 20, was sent to Newport County before returning in January.
The Evening Standard reports that Scanlon is a key target for the Gunners, who have focused on signing several young players this summer. It is stated that further talks with United are scheduled concerning the Gibraltar international, with personal terms not anticipated to be an issue.
Arsenal are also closing in on a free transfer for Ogunneye, who was reportedly scheduled to complete his medical on Thursday, with United retaining a 40 per cent sell-on clause. The defender is expected to join the Gunners’ Under-21 side and will also get chances to train with the senior side.
Michael Carrick to receive transfer boost
Elsewhere, United look set to get an unexpected boost in the transfer market, with former defender Willy Kambwala set to leave Villarreal. The 21-year-old made 10 appearances for United before completing his move to the Spanish club in 2024.
United are understood to have negotiated a sizeable sell-on fee into the deal with Villarreal two years ago. Italian side Como are reportedly leading the race for Kambwala, with La Liga outfit Osasuna also showing interest.
This means United will receive a modest sum when Kambwala departs Villarreal, given he is not expected to attract a large fee, which restricts the amount that will return to Old Trafford. The defender has made 23 appearances in total since being sold by United, with injury limiting his game time last season.
With Carrick’s team set to benefit from the sell-on clause in Kambwala’s deal, the club have recently included the same clause when selling academy players this summer. Tyler Fredricson’s transfer to Lausanne-Sport also featured a high percentage sell-on fee, with a similar arrangement part of Radek Vitek’s move to Middlesbrough.