EPL Transfer News: Reis, Baleba, Chelsea and More

Vitor Reis Leaves Manchester City for Girona Loan

Manchester City centre back Vitor Reis has joined Girona on a season-long loan. City paid £29.6 million to sign the 19-year-old from Palmeiras in the January transfer window as part of their emergency squad rebuild, but the Brazilian managed only one minute of Premier League action in the second half of the campaign.

Reis made four appearances in total, starting twice in the FA Cup and once at the Club World Cup, but he struggled to make matchday squads towards the end of the season. To aid his development, he will now spend the upcoming season with Girona, part of the City Football Group.

The move makes Reis the 16th player to depart City for a temporary spell at Girona, but the first since 2022 when Yan Couto and Yangel Herrera made the switch. Herrera eventually joined Girona permanently, while Couto’s loan ran until 2024.

Brighton Set Huge Price Tag for Carlos Baleba

Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly placed a £104 million valuation on Carlos Baleba, as Manchester United consider a move for the 21-year-old midfielder. Brighton midfielders have become prized assets in recent years, with Moisés Caicedo joining Chelsea for a then British record £115 million and establishing himself as one of the best in his position.

Manchester United’s need for reinforcements in defensive midfield is well known, but Brighton’s lofty asking price poses a challenge. According to ESPN, United have yet to make direct contact with the Seagulls, and Baleba is happy to remain at the AMEX Stadium this season, potentially revisiting a move next summer. Lille, his former club, are believed to have a 20% sell-on clause, which may explain Brighton’s firm valuation.

United’s active pursuit of Benjamin Šeško further complicates any move for Baleba. The Slovenian forward is set for a medical at Old Trafford and will reportedly cost £66.4 million. Manager Ruben Amorim is reshaping his attack with the summer additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Chelsea Confident in Garnacho Deal Despite Competition

Alejandro Garnacho’s preference to join Chelsea has given the Blues confidence that Manchester United will be forced to accept an offer below £40 million, according to United In Focus. Although Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are willing to pay more, Garnacho remains set on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle Weigh Isak’s Future Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Newcastle United are carefully considering the future of striker Alexander Isak, with their Premier League clash against Liverpool on 25 August a key reference point, Chronicle Live reports. The Magpies are reluctant to see Isak line up against them and may delay negotiations until the closing days of the transfer window.

Liverpool and Newcastle in Striker Battle

The two clubs could also clash over another forward target, as Empire of the Kop reports Liverpool’s interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. The Merseyside side are keen to beat Newcastle to his signature.

Chelsea Target Ronald Araujo After Colwill Injury

Following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, Chelsea are exploring a move for Barcelona centre back Ronald Araujo, according to Fichajes. Offers in the region of £43.4 million will be considered.

Arsenal Eye Lookman as Eze Alternative

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, viewing him as an alternative to Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, Quotidiano Sportivo claims. However, leading suitors Inter are growing concerned about the Gunners’ involvement.

Manchester City Open Talks for Castello Lukeba

Manchester City have begun negotiations for RB Leipzig centre back Castello Lukeba, Rudy Galetti reports, as they look to strengthen their defensive options.

Tottenham Pursue Harvey Elliott After Maddison Injury

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott following James Maddison’s injury, FootballTransfers reports. Spurs are reportedly willing to meet Liverpool’s conditions, which include a buy-back clause.

West Ham Advance Talks for Idrissa Gueye

Talks between West Ham United and Metz over striker Idrissa Gueye are progressing positively, Foot Mercato claims. The 18-year-old is valued at over £13 million and could bolster the Hammers’ forward line this summer.