Arsenal & Chelsea in ‘position’ for stunning £87m signing as Spurs ‘reignite’ pursuit of England starplaceholder image
Arsenal & Chelsea in ‘position’ for stunning £87m signing as Spurs ‘reignite’ pursuit of England star | Getty Images
The latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Aston Villa and more.
As another day of wheeling, dealing and gossip draws to a close, it’s once again time for 3 Added Minutes’ regular evening round-up of the biggest (and sometimes wildest) new Premier League transfer rumours – starting with a story for the Arsenal and Chelsea supporters reading.
According to Caught Offside, the Premier League pair are “working to position themselves” to make a bid for Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Güler, with both teams said to “sense that he could be available” for a fee of €90-100m (£79-87m).
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is said to be a “long-term target” for Arsenal, while Chelsea have supposedly “had multiple contacts” with Real in order to enquire about his situation. With the Turkish prodigy struggling to win a regular place in the starting squad at the Bernabeu, there has been speculation that he might move in the near future.
For all that, it’s said that Arda is “not currently keen on leaving” Real Madrid and in any case, it’s strongly suggested that this would be a deal which takes place in the summer rather than before the end of the January transfer window. Until the, both Arsenal and Chelsea will “monitor” the youngster.
The 3AM Verdict: Naturally, this is a very speculative article, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised were Arsenal and Chelsea among the suitors if it does become clear that Arda will leave the Bernabeu. That’s far from certain, although given how many young attacking players Real have it’s not exactly implausible. One to watch, without anybody holding their breath.
Spurs ‘reignite’ chase for Nottingham Forest star
Let’s head over to a story from TeamTalk now, who allege that Tottenham Hotspur are “primed to reignite” their interest in Nottingham Forest and England attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who they tried to sign in the summer before a proposed deal collapsed amid allegations that they had made an illegal approach to the player.
Despite that, Gibbs-White “remains on Tottenham’s radar” and while Forest “remain keen to keep hold” of the 25-year-old, the article alleges that a substantial offer “could force a rethink” due to financial pressures on Forest. Apparently Newcastle United are also “aware” of the possibility that he could move.
It’s said that this, again, is a deal which is likely to take place in the summer and not in the next couple of weeks, but Spurs will “monitor developments closely” over the coming months as they consider launching a second bid.
The 3AM Verdict: Again, breath-holding probably isn’t advisable. Spurs do have cash to splash this winter but Forest wouldn’t let Gibbs-White leave right now for anything less than an outrageous sum, while Newcastle just don’t have the money at the moment. Maybe something comes of this in the summer, but we suspect that Gibbs-White will be just one of many players on Spurs’ shortlist.
Aston Villa ‘consider’ move for former Chelsea man
Let’s wrap up this evening’s digest with a story from The Daily Telegraph’s John Percy, who reckons that Aston Villa will “consider” a move for AC Milan midfielder Ruben Lofus-Cheek after midfielder Boubacar Kamara sustained a serious injury.
The former Chelsea and Fulham midfielder has emerged as a “potential option” for the Midlanders as they look to find a budget-friendly replacement for Kamara, who is expected to miss the rest of the season. There’s no word on how much a deal might set Villa back, or any suggestion that a formal offer has been made as yet.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Percy’s story, while also suggesting that “initial talks” had in fact taken place – and that Milan are trying to the recently-recalled England international down to a new contract if they can. This also comes in the wake of recent stories suggesting that several other Premier League teams, including Manchester United, were also debating a deal.
The 3AM Verdict: Lofus-Cheek may finally be on the move. His name seems to have cropped up every single window since he left England but the stars may be aligning at last, and Villa would be among the best candidates to strike a deal having been linked several times over the past week or so – but given recent rumours surrounding Loftus-Cheek’s future, we wouldn’t be shocked if they had competition.
Continue Reading