Arsenal could land key transfer target for £80m as Spurs and Newcastle United brace for January signing battle

We begin Thursday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up with eye-watering news for Arsenal amid their ongoing pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian is understood to be a long-term target for the Gunners, who are eager to continue their midfield rebuild under Mikel Arteta in the coming weeks and months.

But according to Football Transfers, they could face an uphill battle to sign Luiz, with his current club placing a price tag of around £110 million on his head. It is suggested that there is some room for negotiation on that figure, however; Arsenal would reportedly be willing to go as high as £60 million, while Villa could be persuaded to come down to somewhere in the region of £80 million if the player himself were to push for a transfer.

The 3AM Verdict: In all likelihood, these are scare tactics from Villa, and even within the report itself it becomes apparent that the £110 million is nothing more than an aspirational starting point for negotiations. Arsenal's interest in Luiz appears genuine, but the truth is that a deal in January is highly improbable, regardless of price. This will be one to revisit in the summer.

Illing-Junior lined up for exit

Elsewhere, Juventus winger Samuel Illing-Junior could be on his way out of the club in the near future, according to Tutto Mercato Web. The 20-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in Turin, and has struggled for game time this season, recording just 113 minutes of first team football across four Serie A appearances this term.

His potential exit could spell good news for both Newcastle United and Tottenham, however, with claims from Italy that the Premier League pair have been monitoring the Englishman's progress for 'some time now'. With the player's contract set to expire in 2025, it is understood permanent offers could be tabled in January, with Juve willing to sell to help fund a restructuring of their midfield.

The 3AM Verdict: Illing-Junior may be out of favour in Turin, but he would represent an exciting acquisition for either Newcastle or Spurs. The wide man is brimming with potential, and is capable of playing on either flank. If he can be signed for the right price, there is no reason to believe that he couldn't make an impact in the Premier League for years to come.

Doherty in demand

And finally, West Ham, Everton, and Brighton are among several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Northern Irish teenager Aodhan Doherty, according to Football Insider. The 17-year-old has been causing quite the stir in his home country, and has already made three senior appearances for current club Linfield.

It is understood that West Ham are leading the race for the attacker's signature having already offered him a trial earlier this year, but a number of their top flight rivals are also said to be interested, and are plotting swoops of their own.

The 3AM Verdict: While it is far too early to properly pass judgement on Doherty as a player, it is worth pointing out that the Northern Irish league has been an under-appreciated gold mine of talent for quite some time, and if a deal can be struck at a bargain price, there is no reason to believe that this couldn't be a really smart signing for whoever wins the race.