Manchester City bring in Allan Elias as late-window moves for Gakpo and Fernandez develop

Manchester City have officially completed the signing of Brazilian winger Allan Elias from Palmeiras, making him the club’s sixth arrival of the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old has agreed a five-year contract, with the initial fee understood to be £32m plus a further £2m in potential bonuses.

The deal represents another attempt to strengthen manager Enzo Maresca’s squad before the transfer window closes. City are also continuing discussions over Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and are preparing at least one offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Elias said completing his move to Manchester City represented “an incredible moment” in his career.

“Manchester City, with everything it has achieved in terms of trophies over the past 15 years, is one of the most attractive clubs for players in the world,” he said.

“Joining them today is the happiest moment of my life. I love Palmeiras and I will always love Palmeiras, but the decision to join City was easy.”

The Brazilian added that his main ambition was to improve as a player and develop into the best version of himself.

“The conversations I have had with City officials so far have convinced me that there is no better place to achieve my ambitions,” Elias said.

“I promise Manchester City fans that I will do everything I can to make the most of this opportunity.”

Elias becomes the latest addition to a Manchester City squad that the club is still seeking to strengthen before the deadline. The Premier League side has not indicated that its business is complete despite confirming the Palmeiras winger’s arrival.

According to sources cited by ESPN, City are in talks about a possible deal for Gakpo, whose value is estimated by Liverpool at about £85m. However, Liverpool are understood to be insisting on signing a replacement before agreeing to sell the Netherlands international.

Gakpo has been a key attacking option for Liverpool, while City are exploring further additions as they assess their options in the final hours of the market. The discussions remain part of a wider late-window push by the Manchester club.

City are also expected to make at least one bid for Fernandez before the transfer window shuts. The Argentina international was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their match against Brighton, which Chelsea won 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.

That omission has added to the speculation surrounding Fernandez, although no agreement has yet been reported between Chelsea and Manchester City. The club’s interest in both Gakpo and Fernandez means the confirmed arrival of Elias may not be the final significant move of City’s summer campaign.

For Elias, the transfer marks a move away from Palmeiras and into English football. He has committed his immediate future to Manchester City after signing a contract running for five years, and will now look to establish himself within Maresca’s squad.