Liverpool plot £130m move for ex-PL winger as Arsenal target PSG wonderkid and Man Utd eye £20m prospect
The latest Premier League transfer headlines, including updates from Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd
It’s time for 3 Added Minutes’ regular morning round-up of the Premier League’s biggest and most exciting transfer stories.
Liverpool were notably the biggest spenders of the summer after bringing in £446.5m worth of new talent, yet incredibly their planning to spend big again to sign a long-term Mohamed Salah replacement, according to TEAMtalk.The outlet explains that the player at the top of Liverpool’s wishlist is former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, who only agreed to join Bayern Munich just over 12 months ago in the summer of 2024.
The 10-time France international was brilliant throughout his time in the Premier League, and managed 16 goal contributions in 19 matches during his final campaign. But he’s now hit new heights at Bayern Munich, registering 43 goal contributions (20 goals and 23 assists) across all competitions in 55 matches during his debut campaign while winning a Bundesliga title. He’s also kicked off this season in equally impressive fashion with five goals and six assists in nine matches so far. Olise cost the German champions around £50m but is now thought to be worth more than double that sum at £130m. It means that Liverpool would need to break the British transfer record for the third time in a season to have any hope of getting this one over the line.
The 3AM verdict: Michael Olise was clearly a talented footballer throughout his time in England and at 23-years-of-age looks set to be one of the main stars of the next decade. It’s clear to see why Liverpool would want him, particularly with Mohamed Salah’s contract expiring in 2027. However, it’s hard to see this one happening in January, particularly when Liverpool’s biggest requirement is to strengthen the centre-back position.
Arsenal target PSG ace
Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal are hoping to further bolster their midfield options with a blockbuster move for Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Warren Zaire-Emery, according to Caught Offside.
Zaire-Emery is still only 19-years-old but has already won the French title three times while also helping the team to Champions League glory last term. He’s a multifaceted midfielder that can play in plenty of roles as he proved when he won Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Year award in 2023/24. However, in more recent times, he’s dropped down the pecking order slightly and is thought to be seeking clarity over his role within the team. The outlet claims Arsenal are considering an opening offer of 80 million euro (£69m) to test the waters.
The 3AM verdict: Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the finest midfield talents in world football and one with the ability to flourish in the Premier League. However, his problem at the moment is his lack of first team football, which would only be the same if he was to join Arsenal amid competition from Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard among others.
Man Utd target in-demand £20m prospect
Manchester United are one of a number of clubs considering moves for AZ Alkmaar prospect Kees Smit, according to Mail Sport.
Smit is a 19-year old Netherlands Under-19 international that’s been compared to fellow midfielders such as Frenkie de Jong and Belgium and Napoli maestro Kevin de Bruyne. He’s viewed as an exciting talent in Dutch football and is believed to be valued at around £20m, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Crystal Palace also showing interest.
The 3AM verdict: Kees Smit has an overall record of three goals and five assists in 43 matches but is often used as a defensive midfielder despite the de Bruyne comparisons. He’s still learning his trade and does play in a position where Manchester United lack a bit of quality but at the moment, the Red Devils arguably need to sign talents for the here and now that are ready to come in and make a difference.