Italian giants chase United defender as Liverpool weigh €55m Araújo deal
Under the floodlights at the San Siro, Diogo Dalot sprinted down the left flank for Manchester United against Como in a Champions League tie, while newsrooms in England reported Liverpool’s willingness to spend €55 million on defender Ronald Araújo.
Dalot's uncertain future
Dalot, 27, has been with Manchester United since 2018 and has made 256 appearances for the Red Devils. The contract runs until June 2028 with an optional extra year, meaning the club is not in a rush to sell. Former chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that United will not force a move but will listen to a suitable proposal, and Italian giants Milan, Inter and Juventus are all monitoring the situation. Dalot previously spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Milan, playing 33 matches and scoring two goals, giving him familiarity with Serie A.
Liverpool eye Araújo
Uruguayan centre‑back Ronald Araújo, on loan from Barcelona, has featured in 11 games for Liverpool this season, starting nine, and also filled in at right‑back after Trent Alexander‑Arnold’s departure. reports Liverpool are prepared to trigger a €55 million purchase option if he maintains his current level, although the clause is not mandatory and the club’s heavy spending since mid‑2025 makes the outlay delicate. Araújo leads Liverpool’s Premier League defensive cuts with an average of 2.7 per game and says it is too early to discuss a permanent stay. His next test comes against Brighton on Sunday 25.
Wilcox backs Eddie Howe as Manchester United seek Carrick’s DONE exit
Arsenal's pursuit of Vinícius Junior
Vinícius Junior, who has netted 129 goals in 386 appearances for Real Madrid, seriously considered a move to London, Arsenal are ready to offer £18.5 million per year, a sum that would make the Brazilian the club’s highest‑paid player, but comfort at Real Madrid and the desire for more titles persuaded him to remain. The Gunners have only added striker Christos Tzolis this window and did not secure Julián Álvarez. Junior’s form this season is below expectations, with a single goal in eight La Liga matches, and the club would also demand a reduction in his wage demands before any new deal.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s board remains split over a successor to Michael Carrick, who stays in charge for the upcoming Bournemouth match. Director of football Jason Wilcox prefers a manager with Premier League experience, naming Eddie Howe or Antonio Conte, while recruitment director Christopher Vivell pushes for Julian Nagelsmann, now free after leaving the German national team. Unai Emery and Fabian Hürzeler have also been mentioned as possibilities.
These developments highlight a period of transition for United, whose recent form has been poor, failing to win in seven games and suffering a 4‑1 defeat to Como. At the same time, Italian clubs are keen to reinforce their squads, Liverpool must decide on a costly defensive investment, and Arsenal’s ambition to sign a world‑class winger underscores the intensity of the summer market.