Newcastle United accelerate bold raid for £28m Chelsea star as Everton look win race for big-money midfielder
The 3AM take on the latest transfer speculation from around the Premier League.
Newcastle United remain keen to add a winger to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window and have identified a number of potential targets.
Speculation over Miguel Almiron’s future at St James Park has continued in recent weeks and a number of Saudi Pro League clubs are believed to hold an interest in the Paraguay international after he reportedly rejected an opportunity to move to the Gulf state during the January transfer window.
Despite the presence of Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, the Magpies are still looking to bring in a wide player after they were said to have missed out on the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Michael Olise earlier in the transfer window.
Football Insider have now claimed Newcastle are ready to reignite their interest in Chelsea star Noni Madueke as part of a double swoop after they agreed a deal worth around £15m for Sheffield United youngster William Osula.
The report claims there has been no agreement after talks with Chelsea over a possible deal for Madueke but stresses Newcastle’s interest remains alive and a deal is possible before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The 3AM Verdict: Newcastle do need to add at least one attacking player to their squad this month and Madueke would fit the bill when it comes to a wide player. He would offer Premier League experience and has the energy and intensity Eddie Howe loves in his players. This feels like a deal that could work for the Magpies and Madueke himself.
Gunners flop secures shock La Liga move
Arsenal have made some impressive additions in recent years as Mikel Arteta has developed his side into genuine Premier League title contenders.
The likes of Declan Rice, David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel have all shone over the last two seasons as the Gunners have fallen narrowly short in their bid for a first title in two decades.
However, the signing of winger Nicolas Pepe will not go down as Arsenal’s finest moment after they handed over an eye-watering £72m to sign the Ivory Coast international from Lille during the summer of 2019. After a challenging four-year stay with the Gunners that saw Pepe spend time on loan with French club Nice, the winger joined Trabzonspor on a free transfer last summer.
However, after scoring five goals in 19 appearances last season, Pepe was released earlier this summer and has now caused something of a surprise by landing a move to La Liga club Villarreal. The former Gunners record signing has been a two-year deal in Spain and will hope to rejuvenate his career by shining with the Yellow Submarine.
The 3AM Verdict: Although Pepe’s record of 48 goal contributions in 112 appearances for Arsenal is more than reasonable, it is understandable why he is considered a flop during his time in North London. Villarreal has something of a habit of aiding flagging careers and it would be no shock if they were to do the same with the winger.
Toffees lead race for Man City outcast
It’s safe to say the last two years of Kalvin Phillips’ career have not gone quite as he expected.
After helping England reach the final of Euro 2020, the midfielder’s stock was high and it was Manchester City that won the race for his services as he made a £42m move to the Etihad Stadium. However, Phillips has made just 31 City appearances in all competitions over the last two years and just six have come as part of Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven. A loan move to West Ham United also failed to light a spark under Phillips and the former Leeds United midfielder is now expected to leave the reigning Premier League champions this summer.
Football Insider have claimed Everton are leading Aston Villa in the race to offer Phillips an opportunity to find form once again and will make a season-long loan offer for the midfielder as they will be unable to meet City’s asking price for a permanent deal.
The 3AM Verdict: The heady days of lining up alongside Declan Rice in the England midfield must feel a world away for Phillips right now. There is still a player in there and Sean Dyche could be the man to put his career back on the right track.