Man Utd have cooled their interest in Cody Gakpo amid new confidence they’ll sign Antony, while an Arsenal transfer involving another Premier League side is quickly ramping up – both in Thursday’s Transfer Gossip.
FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR ANTONY
Man Utd have put their Cody Gakpo move on hold despite already holding a partial agreement, with Ajax ace Antony now taking centre stage, per reports.
A versatile wide forward is one of several areas Manchester United still want to address. Another central midfielder is on the agenda despite the arrival of Casemiro. A new goalkeeper, right-back and striker are also priorities.
Reports broke on Wednesday night of a goalkeeper bid being lodged. The latest on that front can be found here.
However, today’s update regards the final third and according to the Athletic, United’s pursuit of Gakpo is on the backburner.
The 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven ace is reportedly available for around £35m. His future was on hold until their Champions League fate was determined. The fog has now cleared, with PSV now resigned to a Europa League campaign after falling to Rangers in the play-off round last night.
Sources in the Netherlands reported United had struck an agreement over personal terms with Gakpo. The Dutch international is keen on testing his mettle in the Premier League.
However, per the Athletic, his transfer is no longer the focus, with United now confident they’ll finally sign Antony.
The 22-year-old has long been established as United’s primary target for the wings. His all-action style would be a perfect fit for Ten Hag who obviously knows him well through their time in Amsterdam.
Improved Antony bid coming
United have already seen a £67.6m bid rejected as Ajax reportedly hold out for £85m. An improved bid is in the works, and the Athletic confirm a figure higher than the £67.6m has been discussed internally between United and Ajax.
United are deemed ‘confident’ of signing the Brazilian who has already agreed personal terms. What’s more, he is desperate to make the move and Ajax have already locked on to his potential replacement – Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech.
Furthermore, Antony’s agents will reportedly be in London – where United have offices – until the September 1 deadline.
All eyes will be on just how big United’s next offer is. But their interest in Gakpo cooling is just the latest sign a move for primary target Antony will happen.
ARSENAL TRANSFER RAMPS UP
Southampton have emerged at the front of the pack after a surprise development in Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ situation opened up an Arsenal exit within the Premier League, per a trusted source.
Maitland-Niles has been told he is free to find a new club this summer. At 24, the time is now to play regularly, though he will not get that chance in north London.
It had been believed Maitland-Niles’ contract expired in the summer of 2023. To ensure Arsenal didn’t lose a saleable asset for nothing next year, a permanent sale this summer was thought to be their only option.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Maitland-Niles’ contract actually contains a club option for an extra 12 months. As such, a loan with an option to buy is a viable exit route. What’s more, Southampton are plotting to do exactly that.
talkSPORT reported the Saints, Bournemouth and West Ham were all mulling a move. Romano has taken the story a step further, reporting talks with Southampton are now underway.
A loan with an option – not obligation – to buy is in the works. The Saints appear determined to beat out the competition, with Romano describing then as ‘insisting’ on winning the race.
Maitland-Niles may be just one of a cluster of Arsenal stars to leave before the deadline.
Nicolas Pepe has agreed to join Nice on loan and has greenlit a salary reduction to make the move happen. The Ivorian will undergo a medical at some stage on Thursday.
Reiss Nelson is another who is up for sale, while Hector Bellerin is eyeing a return to Spain.
EVERTON FLOP JETS OFF TO TURKEY
Finally, Everton misfit, Dele Alli, has landed in Turkey ahead of his loan switch to Besiktas.
The 26-year-old’s career in England has stalled. He had hoped moving to Goodison Park in January would reignite the fire, though just 13 underwhelming appearances later, that clearly hasn’t happened.
Manager Frank Lampard has seen all he needs to see with Alli now on course to join Besiktas.
Alli jetted off to Turkey on Wednesday night and has since been videoed on social media receiving a typically Turkish reception from the Besiktas faithful.
A loan with an option to buy has been agreed. If Besiktas take up the option, Alli will then sign a three-year deal.
News of the coup has gone down surprisingly well in the Turkish press. Indeed, Turkish outlet Sabah termed the coup the Super Lig’s ‘transfer of the year’.
Alli will need a complete reversal of fortune if that moniker is to prove accurate.
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