What is going on with Manchester United?
After making a red-hot start to the transfer window with the Matheus Cunha signing, everything has come to a screeching halt. While other clubs are making big-money moves, including Arsenal looking likely to land Viktor Gyokeres, United can't seem to get the Bryan Mbeumo deal over the line.
A week ago, the club reportedly set a date of July 7 to finalize the transfer. The plan was to get Mbeumo in ahead of the start of preseason.
Yet here we are. Crickets.
It doesn't mean a deal is off by any means, but after rumors swirling about an imminent medical that still hasn't happened, an incoming third bid, and all-around positive vibes, everything seems to have stopped.
Man United left in difficult position as self-imposed deadline passes for Bryan Mbeumo deal
July 7 was an ideal date, but United can obviously still make a move for the Brentford forward. It's not like their self-imposed deadline was legally binding.
But why is there a holdup? And why has it seemingly gone so quiet?
When reports emerged that United wanted to get it done before the preseason tour, it felt like we were days, if not hours, away from a Fabrizio Romano "Here We Go." It wasn't a matter of if the deal got done, but when.
Time is ticking.
United fans have every right to question what's going on. While Arsenal are spending big to land Gyokeres, Ruben Amorim's side are being linked to free-agent striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
This team began the summer behind the eight ball, needing a brilliant window to catch the Premier League's top clubs. If anything, the gap has widened, with United's rivals boldly strengthening their squads.
Mbeumo could still happen, but the delay is beginning to become concerning. United's reported July 7 deadline is here, and as of yet, they are no closer to signing Mbeumo than at any stage before.