The Premier League Panel: Is Fabian Schär the best bargain in PL history?
Breaking down the latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Aston Villa, West Ham, Arsenal, Manchester City and more.
Every morning, 3 Added Minutes rounds up and reviews some of the biggest new Premier League transfer rumours – and we’re starting today’s digest off with a story which affects Aston Villa, West Ham United and Manchester City all at the same time.
Caught Offside claims that Villa and West Ham are “among the suitors” for City midfielder and four-time Champions League winner Mateo Kovačić – with talks over a new contract for the Croatian apparently breaking down.
Manchester City are “no longer in talks” with the 31-year-old about extending his stay at the Etihad, which is due to expire in 2027, and City are “expected to be open” to offers from other teams should anyone be prepared to take him off their hands. Frustratingly, there is no word on what the asking price might be.
A few teams from the continent are keen, too, unfortunately for West Ham and Villa – Real Betis and Villarreal are both mentioned, while AC Milan are apparently looking likely to be real contenders as they prepare to “accelerate” their own bid for Kovačić.
The 3AM Verdict: Pep Guardiola seems to want a smaller and younger squad so it makes sense to sell Kovačić before he leaves on a free transfer – as for whether Villa or West Ham will be at the front of the queue, we are unsure. We haven’t seen enough corroboration from other sources so far.
Arsenal & Manchester City ‘tipped’ to target Everton star
Let’s head over to Football Insider now – they claim that Arsenal and Manchester City have been “tipped” by experts to make a move for Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye in the near future, as he “starts attracting interest” from other teams after scoring three times in the Toffees’ first eight league games this season.
Everton, for their part, are said to be “confident” that they can keep him from “Arsenal’s clutches” – wonderfully melodramatic language there, as though Arsenal are a bond villain rather than a football team – although they “could assess alternatives” just in case Ndiaye forces a move.
The Frenchman is under contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2029, which gives his club plenty of leverage in the short term, and it’s implied that there’s little concern that he’ll leave in the immediate future. A replacement for Beto is suggested as being a priority, however.
The 3AM Verdict: Funnily enough, there were stories just yesterday linkingNdiaye with a move away – but to Newcastle or Spurs, not Arsenal or Manchester City. This article feels wholly speculative and there don’t seem to be any solid sources behind it. One we’re ignoring, quite frankly.
Crystal Palace star ‘targeted’ by Barcelona – and it’s not Adam Wharton
Let’s wrap up with a story which may well worry some Crystal Palace fans of a more nervous disposition – Spanish rumourmongers Fichajes claim that Barcelona have “targeted” wing-back Daniel Muñoz as a “priority reinforcement” next summer.
The 29-year-old being under contract until 2028 puts Palace in a “dominant” negotiating position, it’s said, but they would supposedly be “willing” to listen to offers that are close to €30m (£26m). It’s not suggested that there has been any contact between Barcelona and Palace or the player as yet.
Barcelona are apparently keen to strengthen the right side of their defence and Palace may be happy to turn a profit on the 29-year-old defender at the end of the season – while Muñoz himself has apparently had an “affinity” with the Catalan club since he was a child, and would therefore be very keen to make the move.
The 3AM Verdict: Well, maybe, but we don’t hold a very high opinion of Fichajes’ reliability and it’s not the kind of signing Barcelona usually make – too expensive giventheir financial issues, without being splashy enough to make it worth it. We’re not convinced, but it sounds like we won’t find out the truth for another year anyway.
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