Arsenal & Brighton eye £50m wonderkid as Chelsea ‘keep close tabs’ on Gusto replacement

Every morning, we round up some of the biggest (and sometimes strangest) Premier League transfer rumours which you might have missed over the past 24 hours – and today we start off with a story involving both Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion.

It comes from Sport Witness and concerns AC Milan prodigy Alphadjo Cisse, who is said to have “attracted attention” from the two English teams after scoring eight goals in 13 games after signing from Hellas Verona earlier this year.

Arsenal and Brighton are said to be particularly “keen” on the 20-year-old Italian, and they are both implied to be among a number of otherwise unnamed clubs to have made initial enquiries about terms required to make a deal happen.

Apparently AC Milan value Cisse at up to €60m (£52m) having spent €8m on him just a matter of months ago – but despite the high price tag, it’s suggested that it “won’t be a problem” for the Seagulls or the Gunners. No word on when they might make an actual bid, however.

The 3AM Verdict: Cisse has exploded into the spotlight this season and we don’t doubt for a moment that many Premier League teams are taking a closer look at him, Arsenal and Brighton included – but there’s no evidence as yet for any suggestion that they’re at the front of the queue, and it’s really too early for a queue to have formed in the first place. We suspect that Cisse’s future will be decided next summer.

Chelsea eye Barcelona star as potential Gusto replacement

Over to a story from TEAMtalk now, who once again suggest that Chelsea are “keeping close tabs” on Barcelona defender Jules Koundé – a long-rumoured target who could now be signed as Malo Gusto’s replacement.

The French utility man is “ready to leave” Stamford Bridge having fallen out of favour, and a few teams are already coming forward as potential buyers, meaning that the Blues will now “consider” a move for Koundé.

There’s no word on the finances that are likely to be involved, but it is suggested that Barcelona could be open to Koundé’s sale in order to free up some transfer funds in January. Chelsea could face competition from Saudi Pro League sides, but apparently the 28-year-old would prefer to stay in Europe if he can.

The 3AM Verdict: Chelsea have kept tabs on Koundé for years but as far as we’re aware have never actually made a bid for him – with Gusto’s likely departure creating a vacancy at right-back, however, perhaps it’s finally the right time. We’ll see.

Newcastle & Leeds emerge as ‘contenders’ for Coventry star

Let’s finish up with a story from gossip website Football Insider, now, who reckon that Newcastle and Leeds are both “likely contenders” in the bidding for Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni.

Everton are also interested in the 25-year-old, it’s said, but are “outsiders” in a three-horse race. Newcastle and Leeds are alleged to be the “best-placed” teams to sign Rudoni at some point in the 2027, although no reasons for that claim are provided.

Coventry, for their part, are said to be “confident” of keeping Rudoni around so long as they can survive in the Premier League, which implies that this isn’t a deal that’s likely to get done in the January transfer window. There is no word on the price point, nor any suggestion that any discussions have taken place.

The 3AM Verdict: This feels like pure speculation, to be honest, and the only source provided is a former scout with no connection to either Leeds or Newcastle. Given the lack of detail or a credible source, we’re inclined to dismiss this story until a more reputable outlet starts reporting it.