Assessing the latest Premier League weekend transfer rumours - with news from Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and more.
It’s the last full weekend before the summer transfer window swings open but the rumour mill certainly isn’t taking a break meaning we’re not either, as we bring you the latest news and gossip from the Premier League starting with Liverpool helping out one of their biggest challengers.
The Reds have been the biggest players in the transfer market so far, already snapping up a ready-made Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement and leading the race for the man who could be the biggest move of the entire summer. Not even 12 months on from helping Germany to the brink of a home Euros final, Florian Wirtz is the centre of attention again in the sunshine as he prepares for a nine-figure transfer to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Bayer Leverkusen reportedly value Wirtz at €150 million (£126m) which would smash Liverpool’s transfer record currently held by Virgil van Dijk, and likely force Arne Slot to condense his shopping list at least in the attack department. Anthony Gordon was a target for Liverpool before they exploded into contention for Wirtz and there likely wouldn’t be room for both on Merseyside.
The ex-Everton man certainly isn’t short of suitors though, with Arsenal and Chelsea also chasing Gordon according to Caught Offside after he brought up a quickfire century of appearances with Newcastle and made 16 goal contributions in a successful sophomore season with the Magpies.
Newcastle aren’t keen to sell the 24-year-old but are facing potential Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) strife in the wake of heavy spending at the beginning of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s stint in charge. Valued at €85–90m (£71-76m) by Newcastle, Gordon would slot straight into Mikel Arteta’s side on the left flank opposite England teammate Bukayo Saka.
The 3AM Verdict: Arsenal are clearly after a superstar winger and Gordon has two advantages on Rodrygo: he’s cheaper than the Brazilian and proven in the Premier League. There’s extra incentive for Gordon to choose north London as his next home too: a successful season paired with England’s incumbent right-winger would put pressure on Thomas Tuchel to hand Gordon the number 11 shirt and a starting berth at next year’s World Cup.
Will Europa League triumph seal Angel Gomes for Spurs?
Flying slightly under the radar thanks to the host of big-name attackers available this summer, Angel Gomes could turn out to be one of the more influential signings of the transfer window as he weighs up where to join on a free transfer from Lille. Gomes has been one of the most in-demand midfielders across Europe for almost a year now, and a disappointing end to his season in northern France hasn’t deterred Spurs from courting the 24-year-old since January.
The chance to compete in the Champions League has boosted Spurs’ chances according to Give Me Sport while Everton are another contender as they look to make a splash ahead of their move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Qualifying for a place at European football’s top table has also inflated Tottenham’s summer budget so while a return to Manchester United has been mooted for months, Daniel Levy should be able to offer top-of-the-market wages for Gomes.
The 3AM Verdict: Gomes should be Tottenham’s top target this window. His composure and intelligence on the ball is an extreme rarity among English footballers and is a perfect fit for the way Ange Postecoglou wants to play. Few players on the market can conduct a team the way Gomes can and he could prove to be the bargain of the summer.
Everton plan double swoop for Liam Delap and Ben Doak
Multiple reports have confirmed Everton have held talks with Liam Delap about a £30m move this summer. All the usual suspects are chasing Delap with Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal in need of a striker but David Moyes can offer Delap something none of those others can: a guaranteed starting spot in his favoured position next season.
It would be Delap’s fifth senior club in the space of four seasons (not counting Manchester City) as his 12-goal Premier League season and cheap release clause at Ipswich make him an attractive target, while Everton are chasing another addition to their forward line in the form of Liverpool’s Ben Doak.
Doak would be the first player to directly cross Stanley Park (figuratively at least) since 1992 and is also valued at £30m after a successful loan spell at MIddlesborough was cut short by a thigh injury.
The 3AM Verdict: Delap has previously expressed a desire to play in Europe next season and David Moyes has admitted Everton are entering the race late, though the Scot has a proven track record of improving young strikers dating back to a certain Wayne Rooney. £30m would be a hefty sum for someone as unproven as Doak but if Everton can find a discount he could be their next Anthony Gordon.
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