Gomes Stays at Porto, Redirecting Man Utd and Arsenal's Attacker Search

Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United and ArsenalTeam·Arsenal have reportedly encountered a setback in their pursuit of FC PortoTeam·FC Porto's promising 20-year-old attacker, William GomesPlayer·William Gomes. The forward, who registered 13 goals across all competitions during the 2025/26 season, including eight in the Portuguese top flight and four in the Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League, has expressed a desire to remain in Portugal for at least another season.

Gomes' decision is primarily driven by his ambition to further his development and participate in UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League football with Porto. His current contract, which extends until the summer of 2029, significantly strengthens Porto's negotiating position, making a move this summer less probable.

With Gomes seemingly off the market, both English clubs are now reportedly engaged in a fresh battle for the services of West Ham UnitedTeam·West Ham United winger Crysencio SummervillePlayer·Crysencio Summerville. The Netherlands international is understood to be a prime target for both Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United and ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, among other interested parties, with an estimated transfer fee of around £50 million.

Summerville is currently representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World CupCompetition·World Cup, where he has already made a notable impact. Coming off the bench in his opening two appearances, he has contributed two goals and one assist, showcasing his ability on the global stage.

For ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, the reigning Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League champions, securing top-tier attacking talent is crucial as they aim to build upon their domestic success and advance further in European competitions. The Gunners concluded the 2025/26 season at the summit of the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League with 85 points, marking their first title in 22 years. They demonstrated formidable form in 2026, accumulating 41 points from 19 games after January 1, and set a new club record with 42 wins across all competitions.

Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United, who finished third in the 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League season with 71 points, are also keen to bolster their squad as they prepare for a return to the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. Under head coach Michael Carrick, United enjoyed a strong second half of the season, winning 12 of their final 17 league matches. Their attacking prowess was evident, as they were the top-scoring team in the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League from January 1 onwards, netting 36 goals in 19 games. Key contributions came from Bruno FernandesPlayer·Bruno Fernandes, who set a new Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League record with 21 assists, and new signings Bryan MbeumoPlayer·Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin SeskoPlayer·Benjamin Sesko, who both scored 11 goals.

The pursuit of a player like Summerville underscores the intent of both Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United and ArsenalTeam·Arsenal to fortify their attacking options for the demanding 2026/27 campaign. Should West Ham UnitedTeam·West Ham United sanction Summerville's departure, they may look to secure a replacement, with Brighton's Amario Cozier-DuberryPlayer·Amario Cozier-Duberry reportedly a potential target for the Hammers.