Man Utd, Arsenal, Man City Eye Midfielder Transfers: Anderson, Tonali, Wharton on Market
Premier League heavyweights will prioritise elite central midfielders this summer. The market is shaping up around a £100 million benchmark for top performers.
Market context
Several Premier League stars are expected to be available next season. Champions League qualification, remaining fixtures and managerial uncertainty will affect moves.
There is also a World Cup in the United States as the window opens in June. That tournament could alter valuations and interest.
Clubs in the chase
Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City eye midfielder transfers: Anderson, Tonali and Wharton are on the market. Each club has distinct constraints and priorities.
Arsenal may need to sell players to fund major reinvestment. Manchester City could require midfield turnover before making heavy purchases.
Manchester United’s recruitment plans hinge on confirming a permanent manager. That decision will influence their position in several pursuits.
Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has three years left on his contract. He is seen as a versatile No.8, capable of playing No.6 or higher.
Anderson is not rushing to decide before the World Cup. Filmogaz.com understands Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal admire him.
City remain keen but may need midfield departures before spending big. United want clarity on their leadership to press any approach.
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move away from Newcastle in 2026. His agent described Newcastle as a stepping stone toward Champions League football.
Arsenal and both Manchester clubs rate him highly. Tonali’s contract runs until at least 2029, with a possible extension to 2030.
Newcastle would demand a significant fee for him. His price could match the highest recent midfield transfers.
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton operates as a specialist defensive midfielder. He can both protect the back line and initiate attacks from deep.
Wharton is on lists at Arsenal, Man City and Man Utd. A move to Champions League football seems the logical next step.
Palace are likely to sell another top asset this summer. Wharton’s World Cup form and club qualification will shape interest.
Carlos Baleba
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba was a leading Manchester United target in January. United made an inquiry but were put off by a reported valuation near £100 million.
Baleba remains of interest to Man City and has been linked with Arsenal in some quarters. Brighton value him highly and hold negotiating leverage.
He is under contract through at least 2028, with an option extending that term. United view him as a potential No.6 replacement for Casemiro.
Joao Gomes
Joao Gomes impressed for Wolves despite a difficult season. With Wolves likely to play in the Championship, his departure appears probable.
He is on Manchester United’s shortlist. Gomes’s contract runs until 2030, with an option to extend to 2031.
Clubs expect him to be a more affordable midfield option. He will attract interest domestically and abroad.
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes remains one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded midfielders. At 28, he combines elite quality with established experience.
Manchester City and Manchester United have shown past interest. Newcastle view Guimaraes and Tonali as central to the team’s identity.
Losing both players in one window would be a major blow to Newcastle’s structure. That dynamic will influence any summer negotiations.
Outlook
Transfer activity will depend on several moving parts. Club finances, player performances at the World Cup and Champions League outcomes will matter greatly.
Filmogaz.com will continue tracking developments as the summer window approaches. Expect intense competition for the midfield names listed above.