Football
22 Apr 2025
0

Manchester United Closing In on Cunha as Summer Plans Take Shape

Manchester United close in on Matheus Cunha, Arsenal open talks with Viktor Gyokeres and Aston Villa consider selling Ollie Watkins.

Tuesday’s Gossip Round-Up: Manchester United target Cunha, Diogo Costa linked, and Gyokeres on Arsenal’s radar

The summer transfer window might still be weeks away from opening officially, but the rumour mill is already in full spin. Clubs across the Premier League and beyond are beginning to position themselves for what could be a hectic few months of negotiations, deals, and surprise moves.

At the centre of the buzz this week is Manchester United, who appear to be closing in on Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, currently lighting it up for Wolves. But that’s far from the only name doing the rounds this Tuesday, as big clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham start to plot their next moves.

Let’s dive into the latest Tuesday gossip from around Europe.

Man Utd Closing in on Cunha – But There’s a Catch

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are edging closer to an agreement with Wolves to bring Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford. The 25-year-old Brazilian striker has impressed with his creativity, movement, and work rate in the Premier League this season, and United see him as a key attacking addition.

However, the deal is far from straightforward. While talks between the two clubs are said to be progressing well, United will still need to activate his £62.5 million release clause to seal the transfer. Whether the Red Devils are willing—or even financially able—to do that remains to be seen, especially with other positions in need of reinforcements.

Cunha’s versatility and proven Premier League experience could make him an ideal fit for Erik ten Hag’s system. But fans might rightly question if he’s the prolific finisher United have been crying out for.

United Eye Diogo Costa as Goalkeeping Reshuffle Looms

In another potential shake-up at Old Trafford, Diogo Costa is back on United’s radar. Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã reports that United scouts have been watching the Porto and Portugal goalkeeper, with the view of possibly replacing Andre Onana, whose debut season in England has been patchy at best.

Costa, 25, has a £64.3 million (€75m) release clause and is also attracting interest from Manchester City, who could view him as a long-term successor to Ederson. It’s no surprise Costa is in demand—his shot-stopping ability, command of the area, and comfort on the ball make him a modern keeper in every sense.

Whether United pull the trigger will likely depend on how much faith remains in Onana, and whether Ten Hag sees Costa as enough of an upgrade to justify the fee.

Arsenal Start Early: Gyokeres and Nico Williams on the Wishlist

Manchester United are edging closer to an agreement with Wolves to bring Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford
Manchester United are edging closer to an agreement with Wolves to bring Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford

Up in north London, Arsenal are wasting no time getting their summer business underway. Football Insider reports that the Gunners have already opened talks to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been in sensational form in Portugal this season.

The 26-year-old Swede has scored goals for fun and fits the mould of a robust, mobile No.9—something Arsenal have lacked in recent seasons. He won’t come cheap, but with Champions League football secured, the Gunners are ready to spend to compete.

They’re also reportedly hot on the trail of Nico Williams, the flying winger from Athletic Bilbao. According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal consider the 22-year-old a “key target”, though convincing him to leave Spain could be tricky. Williams is said to be undecided about a summer move, and Bilbao are desperate to keep him.

Sesko Back on Man Utd’s Radar, Silva Tempting Barcelona Again

Back at Old Trafford, United continue to explore multiple striker options. One name they’ve not forgotten is Benjamin Sesko, now at RB Leipzig. The Manchester Evening News claims United have maintained contact with Sesko’s agent ever since the Slovenian turned down a move to the Premier League in 2022.

At 21, Sesko is still developing but boasts huge potential. He’s tall, strong, and clinical in front of goal—a long-term project who could become a star.

Meanwhile, over at the Etihad, Bernardo Silva could once again be the subject of interest from Barcelona, per GiveMeSport. The Portuguese maestro has flirted with a move to Spain in the past, and while City are under no pressure to sell, Silva’s desire to explore a new challenge might finally tip the scales this summer.

City and Spurs Set to Battle for Gila, Spurs Eye Veiga

Tottenham and Manchester City could go head-to-head for Lazio defender Mario Gila, according to Caught Offside. The 24-year-old Spanish centre-back has quietly impressed in Serie A, and both clubs are looking to bolster their defensive depth.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also said to be monitoring Gila’s situation, meaning this one could become a four-way tussle.

Spurs are also reportedly weighing up a £30 million bid for Renato Veiga, the Chelsea and Portugal midfielder, as per Football Insider. The 21-year-old is on the fringes at Stamford Bridge, but Ange Postecoglou could be the one to unlock his potential with a more prominent role.

United Fielding Loan Interest for Amass, Villa Plot Rashford Swoop

In academy news, GiveMeSport says Manchester United are expecting loan offers from Championship sides for promising England U18s full-back Harry Amass. The 18-year-old is highly rated at Carrington, and a season of regular first-team football could accelerate his development.

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising rumour of the day comes from Football Insider, which claims Aston Villa are exploring the idea of selling Ollie Watkins—who has been in blistering form—and replacing him with Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal from United.

It’s an ambitious one, especially given Rashford’s wages and emotional ties to United, but with Watkins valued at £50-60 million, Villa could make a serious play if Rashford remains unsettled.

Alonso Won’t Be Blocked by Leverkusen

And finally, Fabrizio Romano reports that Xabi Alonso won’t be prevented from leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer should Real Madrid come calling. The Spaniard has guided Leverkusen to a sensational Bundesliga title and unbeaten domestic campaign, and his coaching stock is sky-high.

Madrid see him as a natural successor to Carlo Ancelotti, and Alonso could be ready to return to the Bernabeu—this time, in the dugout.

Leave a Reply

Rating