^ ^ Man Utd told to sign ‘perfect’ Premier League star over Myles Lewis-Skelly

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United are scouring the market for a left-back this summer (Picture: Getty)

Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has urged the club to ramp up their efforts to sign Lewis Hall, claiming the Newcastle star would be the ‘perfect’ addition at Old Trafford.

United have made inroads addressing their number one priority this summer, strengthening their midfield options with the addition of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined fee of around £83million.

However, the true extent of United’s transfer ambitions are yet to be fully fulfilled, with club bosses desperate to further close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City following an end-of-season resurgence under Michael Carrick last term.

Luke Shaw is currently the only left-back specialist in Carrick’s squad – with Harry Amass expected to leave on loan again this season – and left-back is the new area of focus at the Theatre of Dreams.

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England international Hall reportedly finds himself at the top of United’s wishlist for the role on the back of three excellent seasons at St James’ Park.

But while Hall is said to be ‘keen’ on a proposed switch to the red half of Manchester, the Magpies are insistent that the sought-after 21-year-old is not for sale.

It means United have been forced to turn to potential alternatives in the transfer market, namely Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson.

Newcastle have told the Red Devils that Hall is not for sale (Picture: Getty)

The England full-back is reportedly ‘keen’ on a move to Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

According to Bardsley, though, United should not abandon their pursuit of Hall without a fight given the youngster would suit Carrick’s squad ‘to a tee’

‘There’s still time in the transfer window but they need at least one more midfielder, someone who is more defensively-minded, and another left-back,’ the ex-United, Sunderland and Scotland full-back told Casinolyze.

‘Luke Shaw has looked sharp in pre-season but with his injury record you always worry. I don’t think you can always rely on him for a full season, especially when United are back in the Champions League, because of the amount of games they’ll have to play.

Bardsley says Hall would be ‘perfect’ for Carrick’s squad (Picture: Getty)

‘Lewis Hall from Newcastle United would be the perfect fit. It’s just a question of getting him out of Newcastle United this summer when they’ve already sold so many players and lost Eddie Howe.

‘He’s a Premier League proven player though and a great age.

‘I think the way he plays suits Manchester United to a tee.’

Lewis-Skelly is better used as a central midfielder, according to Bardsley (Picture: Getty)

Bardsley is adamant that Hall would be a far more sensible signing that Lewis-Skelly, despite the latter’s undoubted ‘quality’.

‘I prefer Lewis Hall to Myles Lewis-Skelly when you look at what Manchester United need this summer. Hall is better suited to playing left-back,’ he added.

‘I think if you look at Lewis-Skelly, he’s a much better player when you play him in midfield, and I don’t think United need another young player going into the middle of the park.

‘They need a proven defensive midfielder who’s got that experience to come in and own that position.

‘Listen, he’s a quality player. There’s no doubt about it. He won the Premier League last season and started in a Champions League final in midfield. But for me, if I had to pick between the two of them, it’s Lewis Hall every day of the week and twice on Sunday.’

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^ ^ Arsenal set price for Chelsea to sign Martin Zubimendi after Real Madrid approach

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi (Picture: Getty)

Xabi Alonso is ‘pushing’ Chelsea to sign Martin Zubimendi after Arsenal completed a £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports in Spain.

Mikel Arteta bolstered what is already a strong and deep Arsenal midfield with the signing of Guimaraes from Newcastle United.

The Brazilian’s arrival in north London has led to speculation a current Arsenal midfielder could be moved on.

Zubimendi enjoyed a bright start to his Arsenal career following last summer’s £60m move from Real Sociedad but faded towards the end of the season, losing his place in the team during the run-in and for Arsenal’s Champions League final against PSG.

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Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim Zubimendi is now in a ‘precarious situation’ following Guimaraes’ arrival, with his future far from ‘certain’.

They say Real Madrid are weighing up a fresh move for Zubimendi, having missed out on the Spain World Cup and Euros winner 12 months ago.

But the La Liga giants face ‘tough competition’ from Chelsea, who are under pressure from new manager Alonso to bring Zubimendi to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso (Picture: Getty)

Alonso worked with Zubimendi at Real Sociedad before trying to sign him during his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.

Arsenal’s stance on selling Zubimendi remains unclear but Mundo Deportivo say they would want at least 90m euros (£77m) to sanction his exit.

Liverpool legend and ex-England defender Jamie Carragher questioned Zubimendi’s future at Arsenal as they were about to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle.

New Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes with Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty)

Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher said: ‘Do you think it’s the end for Zubimendi there? In terms of being what he was supposed to be when he was brought in.

‘He was supposed to come in and be this controller. I don’t see him ever getting that place back now.’

Guimaraes became Arsenal’s third signing of the summer following winger Christos Tzolis and back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbxsyo9uWHv/

Arteta launched an audacious move for Vinicius Junior only for the Brazil icon to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.

After joining Arsenal in a deal worth £75m, Guimaraes said: ‘I’m very excited. I’m at the point of my life where I need a challenge like this.

‘I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it. I’m so excited to start.

‘It’s massive what I have done so far, but I want more. I want to win for Arsenal. I want to win more trophies in my career, and I think I’m in the right place, at my peak at 28 years old.

‘I’m so excited to join. Here, wearing this shirt, you have to go for winning trophies, winning everything we can and make history.

‘I want to put my name in the club history. Someday, when I leave, I want players to come here and say I want to do exactly what Bruno did for the club.

‘I think it’s the best thing that a player can do for the club: create history and inspire the young.’

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^ ^ Arsenal urged to sign £40m Man Utd star after Vinicius Junior blow

Mikel Arteta missed out on Vinicius Junior (Picture: Shutterstock)

Arsenal have been urged to launch a raid on Premier League rivals Manchester United after missing out on a deal for Vinicius Junior.

The Gunners expressed interest in an audacious move for Vinicius during his contract dispute with Real Madrid.

Arsenal bosses approved a big-money move for the Brazil icon and Mikel Arteta even sent his target a personal message in a bid to get the deal over the line.

Just as the Premier League champions were growing in confidence, Vinicius reached a breakthrough in contract talks with Real Madrid to sign a new long-term deal at the Bernabeu.

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Arteta remains keen to sign a new attacking player before the start of the new season, though, and William Gallas believes Marcus Rashford would be a decent alternative.

Rashford is searching for a new club after failing to secure a permanent move to Barcelona, where he was on loan last season.

The England World Cup star is set to return to Old Trafford following his summer break but United will try to offload him before the transfer deadline.

Arsenal tried to sign Vinicius Junior (Picture: Getty)

‘Arsenal won the Premier League with that squad, but maybe they have to make some changes if they want to play in every competition,’ Gallas told iPredicta.

‘They have to bring quality players and a lot of players at the same time. Those players will want to be in the starting eleven, so you have to deal with their ego.

‘That’s why what is very important is to bring the right player who will be happy to play from the bench, because joining a big club like Arsenal will add pressure every game you play, and we have to know if that player can play under that pressure.

Man Utd and England forward Marcus Rashford (Picture: PA)

‘Of course, Marcus Rashford would be a great option for Arsenal’s attack. I think he had a great season, and I’m sure some clubs will try to jump on that situation.

‘I don’t think he will stay at Manchester United. I’m not sure why no one has signed him yet, maybe because the price is too high.

‘He wants to leave Man United, otherwise, he would not have gone on loan to Barcelona. He will try to find a solution to leave the club and to sign a long contract with another British club.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DbtTqfmoVhu/

‘So now the question is if Man United are ready to sell him. That is the question. We have to know the answer.’

Rashford, 28, is available for a reasonable price of £40m for clubs other than rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

Vinicius, meanwhile, signed a new six-year contract with Real Madrid after being heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

Following the announcement, the Brazilian posted on social media: ‘Eight years at the Bernabeu are too short… Six more years, and then forever.’

Real Madrid added in a statement: ‘Vinicius Jr has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history.’

Arsenal, who won the Premier League last season and reached the Champions League final, have signed Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier so far this summer.

Arteta’s side face Manchester City in the Community Shield next weekend before beginning their title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21.

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^ ^ Bruno Guimaraes reveals message from Declan Rice after completing Arsenal transfer

Bruno Guimaraes has signed for Arsenal from Newcastle United (Picture: Getty)

Bruno Guimaraes revealed Declan Rice was among the first Arsenal players to congratulate him upon completing his move to the Premier League champions.

Mikel Arteta already boasted one of the most formidable midfields in Europe, but his engine room looks significantly stronger with the addition of the former Newcastle United captain.

The Gunners have secured the 28-year-old’s services for a fee of £75million, with Guimaraes having signed a contract until 2030 plus the option of a further year.

Arsenal were already able to boast the considerable talents of Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Bruno’s industry, combative edge and creativity in the final third will add extra dimensions to the north London club’s midfield.

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The Brazil international has enjoyed many battles with Arsenal down the years and has been involved in several flashpoints in recent seasons.

Altercations with Jorginho and Rice are now, however, water under the bridge as far as Bruno is concerned and he cannot wait to work in tandem with the England international.

‘[Declan] Rice sent me a message: “Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends”,’ Bruno told Arsenal’s official website.

‘I was happy he messaged me, but the midfield we have here, in my point of view, is one of the best in Europe.’

Bruno Guimaraes has clashed with Declan Rice in the past (Picture: Getty)

Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes will form a formidable partnership at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Rice was not the only Arsenal star to have been in touch with the club’s latest big-money signing with Bruno also revealing that his international teammate, Gabriel Magalhaes, had been encouraging to leave St James’ Park for the Emirates.

He said: ‘Big Gabi was very excited. Every time he sent me the message, “We’ll wait for you, when will you come?”

‘I’m so excited to join them, not only the Brazilians, we have an amazing squad here.’

Signing a player of Bruno’s experience and versatility represents another feather in the cap of sporting director, Andrea Berta, who pointedly remarked Arsenal’s latest recruit will help Arteta evolved the playing style of a team who were criticised last year for relying too heavily on their defensive strengths.

A force of nature.

Guimaraes is a Gunner ✍️ pic.twitter.com/E7k4mIHICg

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 8, 2026

 ‘We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to our club,’ he said.

‘Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad.

‘With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team. As we have all seen, Bruno can play as a defensive midfielder and as a box-to-box player. He combines quality with quantity, and has provided goals and assists for his team every year.

‘Bruno will allow Mikel to further develop our playing style and will also increase our internal competitiveness, which is essential for maintaining the standards required when we are aiming to win major trophies.’

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