Man City join surprise race to sign Liverpool's Cody Gakpo

The transfer market has thrown up another twist as Manchester City move into contention for Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, adding fresh intrigue to an already crowded chase for his signature. The development comes as City themselves prepare to sanction a departure of their own, with Newcastle reaching a verbal agreement to sign midfielder Nico Gonzalez. Elsewhere, Manchester United are growing confident about prising highly rated youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly away from Arsenal, in a deal that could become one of the transfer window's defining storylines.

• Manchester City emerge as surprise contenders for Cody Gakpo, with Tottenham still pursuing a deal of their own.
• Newcastle verbally agree a £47m deal, plus £3m in add-ons, to sign Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City.
• Manchester United believe they can convince Arsenal to sell Myles Lewis-Skelly despite an asking price above £50m.
• Newcastle also bid 40m euros for Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
• Chelsea, Hull, AC Milan, Coventry and Monza are all active elsewhere in the market.

Why Manchester City's move for Gakpo raises eyebrows

City's sudden interest in Cody Gakpo is notable given the 27-year-old has established himself as a key attacking option at Liverpool since joining from PSV Eindhoven. His ability to operate as a winger or through the middle makes him an attractive, flexible option, exactly the kind of profile Pep Guardiola tends to prize. The move complicates matters for Tottenham, who have been working on their own deal for the Dutch international, and brings a heavyweight financial and footballing rival into the negotiations.

Newcastle strengthen midfield with Nico Gonzalez deal

The other major development sees Manchester City on the selling side of a deal, having reached a verbal agreement with Newcastle over Spain midfielder Nico Gonzalez. The 24-year-old would arrive on Tyneside in a package worth £47m plus a further £3m in potential add-ons. His arrival would give Newcastle significant added depth in midfield as they continue their push to establish themselves among the Premier League's leading clubs and compete on the European stage.

United and Arsenal in talks over Lewis-Skelly

Manchester United, meanwhile, remain confident of persuading Arsenal to part with 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, one of English football's most promising young talents. Comfortable at left-back or in midfield, Lewis-Skelly carries an asking price in excess of £50m, which remains the key sticking point in negotiations. Should the deal go through, it would represent a significant coup for United in a market where they frequently find themselves competing directly with Arsenal for the country's top young players.

Other deals shaping the transfer window

Newcastle are not stopping at Nico Gonzalez, having also lodged a 40m euro offer, excluding bonuses, for Lille and Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to be frustrated in their pursuit of Bournemouth and England midfielder Alex Scott, having already seen three separate bids turned down this summer.

Away from the Premier League, Hull have tabled a 21m euro offer for Union Berlin forward Ilyas Ansah, with talks over a long-term contract said to be at an advanced stage. In Italy, AC Milan are weighing up a late move for Manchester United and Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui, while Coventry have agreed a £6m deal to sign Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock. Finally, Monza are preparing to offer former Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli a one-year contract, with the Englishman still without a club since leaving Como in September 2025.