Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal eye Vinicius alternative, Man Utd want Barcelona star, Liverpool in Minteh bid – The Independent

Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are all plotting moves to reshape their squads before the Premier League window slams shut. The Gunners are weighing up a replacement for Gabriel Jesus, United are closing in on a Barcelona star, and the Reds are circling a young striker from the Championship. With less than two weeks left in the transfer window, the pressure is on for all three clubs to finalise deals that could define their seasons.

Arsenal’s search for a direct replacement

Arsenal are weighing up a replacement for Gabriel Jesus, according to Sky Sports. The club has been linked with Lorient striker Eli Junior Kroupi, a 23-year-old who scored 15 goals in Ligue 1 last season. Kroupi offers a physical presence and a direct running style that could fit Mikel Arteta’s system, though his profile contrasts with the Brazilian’s technical strengths. The Gunners have also been monitoring other options, with reports suggesting a potential triple-deal involving multiple positions to address their attacking needs.

The club’s hierarchy is keen to avoid a repeat of last summer’s chaotic striker hunt, which saw them pay £35m for Jesus only for the Brazilian to struggle with injuries and form. Arsenal’s recruitment team is under scrutiny after a series of mixed signings, and a quick resolution is needed to steady the ship before the Premier League restarts. With the window closing fast, the Gunners will need to move decisively if they are to land their preferred target—or risk seeing their striker plans unravel.

Manchester United’s midfield gamble

Manchester United are on the brink of securing a £65m deal for a Barcelona star, according to the London Evening Standard. The club has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Barça for a player who could provide the creativity and control United have lacked since Paul Pogba’s departure. The move would signal a bold statement of intent from Erik ten Hag, who has struggled to impose his style on a squad still transitioning under new ownership.

United’s pursuit of the Barcelona player follows months of speculation and comes as the club looks to address its midfield deficit. The deal, if completed, would mark one of the most significant signings of the summer and could shift the balance of power in the Premier League. However, with the window winding down, Ten Hag will need to finalise the paperwork quickly to avoid losing out to rivals. The identity of the player remains unconfirmed, but the reported fee suggests a marquee signing rather than a developmental project.

Liverpool’s Championship raid

Liverpool are preparing a bid for Blackpool’s young striker Nana Minteh, according to multiple reports. The 21-year-old has impressed in the Championship this season, scoring six goals in 12 appearances, and could provide Jurgen Klopp’s side with a long-term option up front. Minteh’s pace and movement have caught the eye of Reds scouts, and a move to Anfield would give him the chance to develop under one of the game’s most respected managers.

The bid for Minteh comes as Liverpool continue to overhaul their squad, with recent reports suggesting they have also been linked with other attacking options. Klopp’s side is under pressure to strengthen after a disappointing end to last season, and a quick resolution on Minteh could be the first step in a summer spending spree. The Reds will hope the deal can be wrapped up before the deadline, adding depth to a squad that has struggled with injuries in recent campaigns.

What comes next?

The next fortnight will be decisive for all three clubs. Arsenal must act fast to secure Kroupi or risk seeing their striker plans unravel. United’s £65m gamble could redefine their season, but only if the deal is finalised before the window closes. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s bid for Minteh could signal the start of a more aggressive transfer strategy under Klopp.

For Arsenal, the stakes are particularly high. A failure to land a top-class striker could leave them exposed in the title race, especially with Manchester City and Liverpool also strengthening. United, meanwhile, need to show they can compete with the league’s elite, and a marquee signing could be the catalyst for a resurgence. Liverpool, too, must avoid another summer of uncertainty, with Klopp’s future still a question mark.

The coming days will reveal whether these clubs can turn ambition into reality—or if they will be left watching as rivals steal the headlines.

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