The latest Premier League transfer news including updates on Everton, Aston Villa, Chelsea and more
We’re a little over a week away from the Premier League returning, and fans are champing at the bit to see their clubs in action after the extended, three-week international break. Not that it’s been a barren wasteland for football during this period, with England playing out an entertaining 3-2 loss to Spain and securing a 2-0 win against Czechia so far.
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Next up, the Three Lions travel to take on Croatia - a side they beat 4-2 in their World Cup group opener last summer - before rounding their opening set of Nations League fixtures off by hosting Czechia at Wembley Stadium next week. After that, we’ll be straight back into the thick of things with the Premier League, as Gameweek 6 waits glimmering just around the corner.
Today’s Premier League rumours round-up begins at Everton, who are once again being linked with move for free agent striker Mauro Icardi. The Toffees have been among a number of clubs credited with an interest in the ex-Galatasaray forward of late, after failing to sign a new striker over the summer.
Reports from Argentina, via Sport Witness, suggest Everton are “back in the picture” to sign the veteran striker. Icardi has come out on social media to quash rumours of potentially retiring, positing pictures of himself training - presumably with an eye to securing a new club. Spurs were also thought to be interested in Icardi, but didn’t get beyond the enquiry stage.
The 3AM Verdict: Even if Icardi - who will turn 34 in February - isn’t retiring, we just can’t see him bagging a move to the Premier League. If ever a player’s situation screamed “Saudi Pro League deal” it’s Icardi. The Toffees will be kicking themselves for not signing a striker over the summer, but they’d be kicking themselves twice as hard if they were to hand the ex-Inter star a presumably highly lucrative contract.
Aston Villa eye £35m-rated in-demand striker
Aston Villa are among a host of sides keen on Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viverosplaceholder image
Aston Villa are among a host of sides keen on Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros | Getty Images
Our next story takes us all the way out to Brazil, where Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros has been making waves in the Brasileirao league, scoring 18 goals in 26 outings. According to Team Talk, Aston Villa and Sunderland are both “tracking” the 26-year-old Colombian ace, who has played almost his entire career to date in South America.
It’s claimed that Aston Villa have “made contact” over a potential move for the player and are “watching him regularly”, although it is unclear whether said contact is with the striker’s club or merely his entourage. Paranaense are said to have already rejected some “substantial” offers for their star man, with the club holding out for a fee of up to £35m.
The 3AM Verdict: Viveros has exploded seemingly out of nowhere this season, having previously only really done the business in the Venezuelan top tier. He was capped by Colombia for the first time last week, and is clearly a star on the rise. He’d be a serious gamble for Villa, however, given that he’s entirely untested in European football.
Chelsea ‘open talks’ with ex-Liverpool star
Chelsea are said to be leading the race to sign ex-Liverpool star Jarell Quansahplaceholder image
Chelsea are said to be leading the race to sign ex-Liverpool star Jarell Quansah | Getty Images
We’ll round things off at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea have managed to rack up the worst defensive record in the Premier League so far this season. According to German outlet Bild, they’re looking to remedy this with the signing of Jarrel Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen. It’s said that the Blues have “opened talks” with the player’s representatives over a potential move.
The £30m right-back, who has become a firm favourite of England boss Thomas Tuchel, is also believed to be on Real Madrid’s radar, while Liverpool have a buy-back clause that could see him return to Anfield for nearly £68m. He has four years left on his current deal with the Bundesliga outfit, and saw an offer for his services from Arsenal rejected last summer.
The 3AM Verdict: Homegrown? Tick. Versatile? Tick. Quansah could be an ideal signing from Chelsea. Given that their manager Xabi Alonso likes to play a back three, Quansah could thrive on the right side of that, and step in at wing-back when required. We can’t see it happening any time soon though, with the Blues desperately needing to prioritise spending on midfield reinforcements first.