Every "top" midfielder is within Manchester United's sights.

Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Adam Wharton are standout midfielders being pursued by many top Premier League clubs ahead of the Summer 2026 transfer window.

Elliot Anderson (Arsenal, Man City, and Manchester United are interested)

Elliot Anderson is rapidly emerging as the most coveted midfielder in this summer transfer window. Many view him as an ideal number 8 and a "homegrown" player, but he can also play as a number 6 or in a more advanced role.

Anderson is ambitious, but his current loyalty lies with Nottingham Forest to ensure they successfully stay in the Premier League. After that, his focus will shift to hoping for a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup.

Manchester City is very interested in Anderson, but they also need some movement in their current midfield before spending a large sum on that position.

Manchester United also greatly admires Anderson and sees him as an ideal addition to their midfield. Arsenal is also predicted to join the race for top midfielders, and Anderson is highly rated at Emirates.

Sandro Tonali (Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United)

The possibility of Sandro Tonali leaving Newcastle in 2026 emerged back in January. More recently, comments from his agent, Giuseppe Riso, hinted that Newcastle was essentially just a "stepping stone" and that he deserves to play in the Champions League every season.

Therefore, moving to a bigger Premier League club is the next feasible step in his career. Arsenal along with both Manchester clubs are said to have placed Tonali on their list of potential midfield targets for this summer.

Arsenal is expected to sell some players this summer to reinvest significantly in their starting lineup. Luring Tonali away from Newcastle will not be easy nor cheap. He is considered their most valuable asset and could command a fee as high as Rice or Caicedo. Tonali has a contract at Tyneside until at least 2029, or 2030 if the one-year extension clause is activated.

Adam Wharton (Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United)

England's number 6 is also coveted by top clubs since he shone in Crystal Palace colors. Adam Wharton is a specialized defensive midfielder, capable of building play from deep as well as intercepting. His form this season has been somewhat inconsistent amid Palace's difficulties, but despite that, Adam Wharton has managed the midfield very well in many tough matches.

The logical next step for Wharton is a Champions League club. Therefore, which club secures a Champions League spot next season will influence his destination. Additionally, if Wharton performs explosively at the World Cup, it will increase interest and options for this player.

Carlos Baleba (Manchester United, Manchester City interested)

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was Manchester United's top target in January, and they remain interested in signing him before the World Cup if possible.

Manchester United inquired with Brighton about the price for Baleba but then "The Red Devils" hesitated at the quoted figure of £100 million. Manchester United hopes that, with his form somewhat declining, that price will no longer be so high.

They want to make a "blockbuster" signing, prioritizing the midfield, before the World Cup begins.

Baleba is seen by Manchester United as the ideal number 6 midfielder, capable of filling the gap soon to be left by Casemiro, while providing a solid foundation for the team to build upon in the rest of the transfer window. He could also be paired with another new midfield signing in the near future.

However, Baleba is also on Manchester City's list this summer. Nevertheless, Brighton is aware of how good Baleba is and his potential, so they will not compromise or lower the selling price.

Joao Gomes (Manchester United interested)

Despite Wolves' difficulties this season and the clear relegation threat, Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes has still impressed and is being chased by top clubs. He remains on Manchester United's shopping list this summer and could move up on that list if the club cannot secure their higher priority targets.

Gomes could be a more budget-friendly option compared to other players, even though his contract with Wolves runs until 2030 (with an option to extend until 2031).

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle's number 6 is slightly older than other players on this list (28 years old) but is still considered one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

His future at Newcastle has long been speculated, initially with interest from Manchester City in previous transfer windows. Recently, Manchester United has also shown interest in this player.

Nevertheless, Bruno Guimaraes is lower on their priority list. The reason is that these clubs prefer younger players.

Considering the interest in Tonali (who is younger) and the potential value Newcastle could receive from the Italian player, this makes it even harder for Guimaraes to leave St James' Park this summer. He and Tonali are the "heartbeat" of the team, and losing both would be a disaster.