Manchester United Prepares €80 Million Bid for Como Midfielder Nico Paz
Manchester United is preparing an €80 million ($89.3 million) transfer offer for Como midfielder Nico Paz for the January window, according to El Nacional, as reported by Sports Illustrated. The move follows a difficult encounter where Paz impressed against United, though Real Madrid retains an option to re-sign the player for that exact fee.
The pursuit of Paz forms part of a broader overhaul across European football, with multiple Premier League clubs positioning themselves for significant squad adjustments when the transfer window opens. Liverpool is weighing defensive options to succeed Virgil van Dijk, identifying Nottingham Forest defender Murillo and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, according to The Daily Briefing.
Meanwhile, United’s recruitment department faces potential departures that could reshape the squad. Indykaila reported that midfielder Bruno Fernandes is pushing for a January exit, potentially clearing the path for Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White, whom Ekrem Konur bills as a realistic target for Old Trafford alongside lingering interest from Liverpool. Football Insider added that forward Marcus Rashford is also unsettled, with talks already underway between the England international and Everton.
🚨 #Liverpool Federico Chiesa has emerged as a concrete option for Inter as they look to add a forward with a different profile to their attack.🎯 The Italian international is appreciated for his experience, versatility and ability to offer something different in the final… https://t.co/xRZLR3z0DH pic.twitter.com/rBZCJBJeEG
USMNT Stars Folarin Balogun and Alex Freeman Spark Premier League Interest
United has also been offered the prospect of signing U.S. men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun as he targets a January departure from Monaco, according to TEAMtalk. Leeds United, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest have also entered the mix for Balogun’s signature.
United’s interest extends to Balogun’s international teammate Alex Freeman, with the Villarreal defender appearing on the radar of both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, Football Insider reported. Additionally, Balogun’s Monaco teammate Paris Brunner has emerged as a primary target for Arsenal and Chelsea, with El Nacional valuing the center forward at €50 million ($55.8 million).
Elsewhere in England, Tottenham’s pursuit of Bournemouth forward Éli Junior Kroupi is projected to fall short in January, with Football Insider noting that any summer deal will demand a minimum of £80 million ($107 million). Arsenal is simultaneously preparing a January bid for Atlético Madrid creator Álex Baena, which manager Diego Simeone is reportedly preparing to deflect, per El Nacional. Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara has drawn credited interest from Aston Villa, Brighton, Everton, and Newcastle, according to Fussball News, while Ekrem Konur noted that Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa is viewed as a concrete option for Inter in 2027.
La Liga Giants Target Enzo Fernández and Defensive Reinforcements
In Spain, midfielder Enzo Fernández has re-emerged on the radar of Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, though Manchester City is expected to value the World Cup winner at €120 million ($133.9 million), according to Ekrem Konur. Barcelona faces financial hurdles to secure Paris Saint-Germain center back Willian Pacho. El Nacional reported that Barcelona will have to secure sales for Ronald Araújo—who is impressing at Liverpool—and demoted right back Jules Koundé in January if they are to finance a move for Paris Saint-Germain center back Willian Pacho. Chelsea could facilitate that defensive shuffle, as TEAMtalk reported that Xabi Alonso is prepared to deliver a personal approach to convince Koundé to move to London. Real Madrid striker Endrick could still complete a loan move to AC Milan this January amid ongoing interest from Arsenal, per Ekrem Konur. Club Brugge has established a €50 million ($55.8 million) asking price for forward Nicolò Tresoldi, who remains a primary target for both Arsenal and Barcelona, according to El Nacional.
🚨 #NottighamForest Morgan Gibbs-White is considered one of the most attainable attacking midfield options for Manchester United.🔴 Interest in the Nottingham Forest star remains strong, with Tottenham and Liverpool also keeping a close eye on his situation.⏳ Within… https://t.co/NycjWjyUui pic.twitter.com/tD7jrL8MFf
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