Manchester United target monster £43m ‘hijack’ as Real Madrid linked with bombshell Arsenal offer

It’s once again time for our early morning round-up and review of the very biggest new Premier League transfer rumours currently floating around the world’s media – and we’ll start with a story for the Manchester United fans.

TeamTalk suggest that the Red Devils are ready to “hijack” Juventus’ attempts to secure the permanent signing of Randal Kolo Muani, who spent much of last season on loan with the Old Lady from PSG but who is now on Ruben Amorim’s “wishlist” as he works to rebuild his attack.

Apparently United are “ready to ramp up” their interest and submit a formal offer and whilst it’s “unclear” precisely what their first bid will be, PSG are said to be looking for about €50m (£43m) for the France international striker.

Benjamin Šeško is still suggested to be United’s first choice as they search for a new striker, but with Newcastle United seemingly ahead in that race they seem set turn to Kolo Muani instead.

The 3AM Verdict: It’s reasonably clear that United need to make some sales before they can make any more big buys this summer, so we don’t expect an imminent move, but with Šeško seemingly headed for St. James’ Park should Newcastle lose Alexander Isak we wouldn’t be at all surprised if this story turned out to be broadly correct. Spurs have also been linked with a bid, however.

Real Madrid allegedly make massive Arsenal offer

A big old bombshell of a story from Spanish outlet Fichajes here – they allege that Real Madrid “have submitted” an absolutely massive offer of €90m (£78m) and two players for Arsenal defender William Saliba, a long term target for Xabi Alonso’s side.

The package would see €40m-rated defender Raúl Asensio move to the Emirates while Turkish wonderkid Arda Güler would be offered on a season-long loan in addition to the cash. Madrid are said to be “determined to complete the deal as soon as possible.”

According to the report, Arsenal have not yet made an official response but are “seriously considering” the enormous offer, with Real “steadfast” in their interest in Saliba, which has stretched on for a long time.

The 3AM Verdict: We’ll start our thoughts by warning that Fichajes don’t always demonstrate the strongest relationship with the concept of reality – but Real’s interest in Saliba is very genuine. We don’t believe a bid has been lodged as yet, but Arsenal will be braced for it if negotiations over a new contract with Saliba should go badly over the coming weeks.

Nottingham Forest set to swoop for Fulham veteran

Finally, a story from Midlands football expert John Percy – told here with some extra detail and embellishment via GiveMeSport – which suggests that Nottingham Forest see Fulham winger Adama Traoré as a “serious target”.

Nuno Espirito Santo managed the Spain international at Wolves and sees “a reunion” as part of the plan to replace Anthony Elanga, apparently, and could work to complete a deal “in the coming weeks” – not the most stringent timeline, given that we’re fairly deep into the transfer window, admittedly.

There’s no word on how much the 29-year-old, once the fastest player in the Premier League, might cost Forest, but the winger only has one year left on the deal keeping him at Craven Cottage.

The 3AM Verdict: This is probably a fairly easy deal to get done given that Traoré is a rotational player at Fulham right now and we suspect it would be a cheap way for Forest to add some depth and experience. Traoré isn’t the fastest in the league these days, but Santo clearly still think he can do a job. We don’t doubt that this is an option for all parties.