A round-up of the biggest new Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester United, Bournemouth and more.
Another day of gossip is in the books, and that means that it’s time for 3 Added Minutes’ regular morning round-up of some of the biggest Premier League transfer rumours which you might have missed over the past 24 hours – starting with a story involving each of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
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According to Sport Witness, all three teams are “keen” to sign Roma and Brazil full-back Wesley in the near future – but the price tag for the 23-year-old is apparently rising rapidly.
Wesley signed a five-year contract with Roma just last yearplaceholder image
Wesley signed a five-year contract with Roma just last year | Getty Images
It’s suggested that Wesley, who was also a target for Manchester City during Pep Guardiola’s tenure, will now cost bidders around €60m (£50m), nearly double his valuation a year or so ago. Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United remain “in the race” regardless, but the price tag could be a stumbling block.
Which is apparently why all three sides have also started scouting Monaco’s Vanderson, who fits a similar profile but is available at around €40m (£34m) instead. Apparently he’s seen as a more “accessible” alternative if Roma won’t budge on the asking price for Wesley.
The 3AM Verdict: A transfer battle within a transfer battle? How very meta. Wesley and Vanderson are both full-backs who would tick a lot of boxes for teams who will need some reinforcements at some point, so we can believe that both players are on their respective shortlists, but Vanderson will definitely be much easier to sign in January due to Monaco’s financial situation. Wesley is more likely to move on next summer.
Manchester United get chance to bring former star back to Old Trafford
Scott McTominay recently underwent a heart procedure - but is expected to return to action imminentlyplaceholder image
Scott McTominay recently underwent a heart procedure - but is expected to return to action imminently | Getty Images
Over to a story from TEAMtalk now, who suggest that Scott McTominay could be set for a “sensational return” to Manchester United after discussions over a new contract in Napoli broke down.
Apparently the Serie A side are unwilling to match McTominay’s wage demands and could, as such, sell the 29-year-old for as little as €25-30m (£21-25m) despite the fact that he’s become a crucial member of their first team since signing from United back in 2024.
Aston Villa are also noted as a team who have made enquiries about signing McTominay in the past and could, as such, rekindle their interest, but it’s also alleged that Real Madrid are “keeping a sneaky eye” on his situation. For his part, the player would apparently be happy to head back home to the UK.
The 3AM Verdict: This is really a speculative piece which notes stories about the breakdown of contract negotiations between Napoli and McTominay and makes assumptions that Manchester United might be interested – absolutely no evidence is presented for the idea that they might make a bid. He may well move next summer (when his contract enters its final year), but it doesn’t look as though we know where he might actually go at this stage.
Bournemouth eye Wolves star as they search for Scott replacement
Fer López cost £19m when he signed from Celta last summerplaceholder image
Fer López cost £19m when he signed from Celta last summer | Getty Images
Let’s wrap up with a story from Caught Offside, who reckon that Bournemouth have started casting about for a potential replacement for Alex Scott, who seems destined for a big move in the near future despite an injury sustained on England duty.
The Cherries were said to be keen on Wolves and Spain Under-21 international Fer López before he moved to England and supposedly continue to monitor his progress as they shop around for someone to sign when Scott – who is a target for Chelsea, Liverpool and others – eventually leaves the Vitality Stadium.
There’s no discussion about the kind of transfer fee which might be involved, but it does seem as though López isn’t only player on Bournemouth’s radar – Lorient’s Arthur Avon and AZ Alkmaar’s sought-after Kees Smit are also suggested as alternatives.
The 3AM Verdict: This feels like a speculative story based more on past interest than anything which gives us cause to think that López is a player that Bournemouth are actively pursuing – besides which, he’s a more attacking kind of midfielder than Scott and not an obvious like-for-like replacement. We’re sceptical.