Man Utd to STEAL €30m signing from Arsenal

Man Utd to STEAL €30m signing from Arsenal

Cameron Smith 19 Aug 2025 14:30 BST

4 min read

News © IMAGO

Manchester United have reportedly identified Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume as a top transfer target after admitting defeat in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.

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Ruben Amorim’s side were eager to finalise a deal for Baleba before Transfer Deadline Day, however they were unable to reach an agreement over a transfer fee, with Brighton demanding in excess of €116 million (£100m) to sanction a sale.

Current ETV Carlos Baleba DM, M (C) Brighton Carlos Baleba DM, M (C) Brighton €55.3M ETV Range €49.8M - €60.9M View full profile

The Red Devils are expected to rekindle their interest in Baleba next summer, as per reports, although they are likely to face significant competition for his signature if he enjoys another eye-catching campaign under Fabian Hurzeler at the AMEX Stadium.

As a result, they are also interested in signing Agoume, according to reports in Spain.

Orgullobiri, a Sevilla FC publication, claim that Man Utd have “set their sights” on signing the 23-year-old as they look to bolster the midfield options available to Amorim.

The France U21 international still has three years remaining on his contract at Sevilla, but the Spanish giants are reportedly willing to sanction a sale for just €30m, despite the fact his current deal includes a €40m release clause.

As exclusively reported by FootballTransfers back in December, Agoume is also wanted by Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta identifying the 23-year-old as a prime candidate to improve the midfield depth currently at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Man Utd have burst into the race to sign him and are eager to finalise terms before the summer transfer window slams shut on 1 September.

© IMAGO - Man Utd want to sign Lucien Agoume

Lucien Agoume: An alternative to Carlos Baleba?

After four loan spells away from Inter Milan in just four years, including to Sevilla, Agoume joined the Spanish side on a permanent deal for €8m last summer and he enjoyed a fantastic first full campaign at the club.

The Frenchman racked up 37 appearances across all competitions last season, notching four goal contributions, while he enjoyed a fantastic U21 European Championship campaign over the summer.

As for Baleba, The Athletic claim that Man Utd were willing to spend “a lot of money” on the 21-year-old, although they weren’t prepared to match Brighton’s lofty asking price.

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