Assessing the latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Aston Villa, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and more.
The transfer window opens this Sunday, and the rumour mill is well and truly spinning as clubs prepare to make some major moves this summer. It’s time to look into some of the latest transfer stories breaking ahead of this weekend, starting at Villa Park where a huge transfer offer has reportedly already been tabled for a young star in demand.
Caught Offside report that Aston Villa have been in touch with Lille in France over a deal for goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, with a bid of around £40m reportedly submitted for the 23-year-old shot-stopper. The young Frenchman is very highly rated in his home nation, and has been predicted to soon make his full international debut with with the 2026 World Cup around the corner.
Manchester United are said to be interested in bringing Chevalier to Old Trafford with the future of André Onana uncertain, but Villa have shown the most concrete interest in the young goalkeeper amidst rumours that Emiliano Martínez may leave Villa Park this summer.
The 3AM verdict: We think Aston Villa would be a great move for Chevalier as he looks to take the next step in his career and challenge for major trophies. At just 23 he is very early into his life as a goalkeeper, and there is no telling how high his ceiling could be.
Manchester United as a club have their future up in the air at present. However - with some big-name attacking players linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, Chevalier could yet be the defensive signing they need to ensure they can reach the next level. But they would have to act fast or he could be at Villa Park before they know it.
Nottingham Forest plan sensational triple swoop
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest are reportedly preparing a huge triple transfer move in Brazil, with three Botafogo players targeted as Forest look to strengthen ahead of their first European adventure in 30 years.
Sport Witness report that striker Igor Jesus is Forest’s top target, a man they have previously been linked with in the January transfer window, while Nuno may also look to secure moves for teammates Jair Cunha and Cuiabano. Sport Witness state that these rumours are courtesy of Brazilian football journalist Jorge Nicola, who has said Forest want the deals done “in the coming days”. Forest have reportedly made an offer of €22m for Igor Jesus, who is anticipating further offers from Italy.
The 3AM verdict: Young Brazilian players are always hot property in thePremier League and around Europe, but never did we think we would see a triple swoop by one club for three players. This would massive if it went through, for the sheer audacity if nothing else. But Forest could also be signing some real gems. Igor Jesus is a full Brazil international, while 20-year-old centre-back Jair and 22-year-old left-back Cuiabano could be stars for the future and bring some more Murillo-style Samba magic to the City Ground.
Chelsea star Joao Felix could be set for shock return to former club
Meanwhile in West London, Chelsea outcast Joao Felix could be set to depart, with Caught Offside reporting that a homecoming to former club Benfica could be on the cards. Talks are “advancing”, though Benfica reportedly prefer an initial loan deal, while Chelsea aim to sell the Portuguese international permanently.
Felix came through the ranks at Benfica as a teenager with the world at his feet, completing a stunning £113m move to Atlético Madrid in 2019. His career hasn’t quite panned out as he would’ve hoped since then, and a full circle moment could represent his opportunity to get things back on track. Further reports from Portugal have noted Felix reacting to a video posted on social media by Benfica’s B team, saying it gave him “goosebumps”. This prompted fans to respond to his comment and clamour for their former hero to return.
The 3AM verdict: Felix has had a tough time in recent years and a return to Benfica could be just what his career needs. Let’s not forget the Portuguese giants are regulars in the Champions League knock-out stages, and Felix could be a difference-maker for them. From his point of view, the familiarity of a return to where it all started could give him the confidence to kick on once again - and he is unlikely to get many better moves offered to him right now.
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