Manchester United have submitted a bid of up to £65m for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, and are also set to receive a sell-on fee from the departure of former defender Willy Kambwala. The club is also losing academy prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye to Arsenal, with a 40 per cent sell-on clause retained on the latter.

Baleba bid and midfield overhaul

Manchester United’s manager Michael Carrick is targeting a midfield overhaul ahead of the new Premier League season. The 22-year-old Brighton star would become the club’s most expensive signing of the window, following the recent arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The bid, which could reach £65m, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad before the September 1 deadline.

Kambwala sell-on gift

United are also set to receive a small but welcome sell-on fee when former defender Willy Kambwala leaves Villarreal. Kambwala, 21, made 10 appearances for United before joining the Spanish club in 2024. The Manchester Evening News reports that United included a “sizeable” sell-on clause when dealing with Villarreal two years ago. Although Kambwala is not expected to command a significant fee, the clause will still bring a small sum back to Old Trafford. The defender has made 23 total appearances since leaving United, with injury limiting his minutes last season.

Academy prospects to Arsenal

In other transfer news, United are reportedly set to lose academy prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye to Arsenal. Scanlon, 19, a winger who spent part of last season with Swindon Town, is a serious target for the Gunners. Ogunneye, 20, a defender who was loaned to Newport County until returning in January, is expected to join Arsenal’s Under-21 side on a free transfer. United will retain a 40 per cent sell-on clause on Ogunneye, and the defender is set to train with the first team.

Transfer window activity

The transfer window is shaping up to be busy for United. The club has also included similar sell-on clauses in recent moves, such as Tyler Fredricson’s transfer to Lausanne-Sport and Radek Vitek’s switch to Middlesbrough. With the deadline looming, United’s front-office is juggling multiple deals to ensure squad depth and financial prudence.

Concrete detail

Arsenal are expected to sign Habeeb Ogunneye on a free transfer, with United retaining a 40 per cent sell-on clause.