Arsenal 'prefer' January move for striker, Spurs eye key Liverpool man, Man Utd make 19-goal star 'top target'

With the 2023 fixtures all but wrapped up, focus is now shifting to what the new year can bring. The festive period has delivered plenty of entertaining match-ups, statement results, and of course, ear-pricking transfer rumours.

We are now entering the final hours before the ribbon is cut to open the January transfer window. Almost every Premier League team has a fight on their hands right now and will be looking to strengthen their ranks at this half-way point. Let's dive into some of the latest updates on the ever-shifting rumour mill.

Arsenal 'prefer' January move for striker

Arsenal are looking to add a new striker to their ranks to aid their chance of winning the league title this season. Ivan Toney has been on the radar for several months now as he approaches his return to top flight football.

According to The Independent, the Gunners 'are investigating' whether they can agree on a deal with Brentford once the new year rolls in. Mikel Arteta and co have been considering their options and a striker is a priority. The report claims that Arsenal's 'preference is to do the deal this January' but it will cost 'at least' £80 million to tie things up.

The 3AM Verdict: A lot of clubs are in for Toney ahead of his comeback and Arsenal's main concern in this title race is their firepower up front. They aren't short of goals but they are lacking one main goal source, which the Brentford man could definitely provide. Today's market requires a huge amount of money to be spent on quality players but if it's going to edge Arsenal over the line and avenge their 2022/23 season, surely it would be money well spent.

Spurs want key Liverpool man

An interesting link in the print version of the Daily Mail (via The Spurs Web), has reported that Tottenham Hotspur 'are keen on signing' Joe Gomez from Liverpool as they look to add to their centre-back roster. However, Spurs are concerned that the current injury worries at Anfield will prevent a move from materialising.

The report has stated that Spurs believe Gomez is an 'ideal option' for them and he would be open to return to London. The Reds, of course, are wanting to strengthen their own ranks amid recent injury blows.

The 3AM Verdict: Gomez could potentially be given a new lease of life at Spurs after spending a lot of his time over recent years as a back-up option behind Joël Matip, Ibrahima Konaté and others. However, it would be foolish of Liverpool to cash in, even for a tempting amount. With both of their left-backs out injured, Gomez has been filling in out wide and the central options are pretty limited right now too. This move could potentially be one for the future but the chances of Jurgen Klopp letting a senior defender leave in January are slim to none.

Man United make goal machine a 'top target'

Manchester United are eager to add more firepower to their front line in January after struggling with their attacking output so far this season. Football Insider has reported that Erik ten Hag has made Serhou Guirassy a 'top target' ahead of the window and the good news is, he will be available for a cut price of just £18 million due to a release clause in his contract.

The 27-year-old has contributed an astonishing 19 goals and two assists in just 16 games this season for VfB Stuttgart, already surpassing his tally for the whole of last season.

The 3AM Verdict: Even non-United fans couldn't help but feel pleased for Rasmus Højlund when he scored his first Premier League goal recently. But the Red Devils need a player who they can rely on to score week in, week out with very few exceptions. Signing someone like Guirassy who clearly just scores for fun, and at an extremely budget friendly price seems almost too good to be true for a side like United. Getting such a deal over the line could be the statement signing they need, and it won't break the bank either. Surely that's a win on all fronts?