Arsenal look to land 'astronomical' defender as Chelsea step up £86m striker interest

We begin Wednesday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up with an update on Arsenal's pursuit of Fenerbahçe left-back Ferdi Kadıoğlu. The 24-year-old has been attracting attention from both the Gunners and Italian giants Napoli in recent weeks, and it is now understood that Mikel Arteta's men are ‘getting ready’ to make their move, according to TRT Spor.

Kadıoğlu's deal in Istanbul last until 2026, but Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç has admitted the defender could leave in the summer, stating: 'My guess is that Ferdi Kadıoğlu will set sail for a new story at the end of the season.' Fenerbahçe are, however, only expected to listen to 'astronomical' offers for the player.

The 3AM Verdict: Reinforcements at left-back feel like a real must for Arsenal this summer, and they could certainly do far worse than a swoop for Kadıoğlu. The Turk has impressed this season, and provided that final price tag isn't too 'astronomical', then the Gunners could land themselves a decent deal.

Chelsea keen on Gyokeres

Elsewhere, Chelsea are understood to be ‘reinforcing their stance’ over a summer raid for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to Record. The Swede has been in electric form this season, scoring 36 goals and registering 14 assists in 39 matches over the course of his first campaign since arriving from Coventry City.

The forward has an £85.8 million release clause written into his contract, but is also understood to be a target for Arsenal. It is Chelsea who are understood to be pushing ahead with the prospect of a concrete move, however, and who had representatives in attendance to scout him during Sweden’s friendly against Portugal last week.

The 3AM Verdict: Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe this season, and it is starting to feel increasingly as if he is not just a flash in the pan. At £86 million or thereabouts, he is going to cost somebody a huge amount of money this summer, but as the transfer window approaches, it looks more and more likely that a Premier League club could take an expensive gamble on him. If and when they do, there is nothing to suggest that it couldn't pay off in a big way.

Spurs eye Bournemouth defender

And finally, according to Football.London, Tottenham Hotspur could look to lure centre-back Illia Zabarnyi away from Bournemouth this summer. It is understood that Spurs have held an interest in the Ukrainian for a couple of years now, and had a bid of around £20 million rejected for the defender back in 2022.

Since then, Zabarnyi has completed a £24 million to the south coast from Dynamo Kiev, and has played every minute thus far of the Cherries' current Premier League campaign. Given his importance to Andoni Iraola's men, and the amount of money he cost them, it is suggested that Tottenham would need to pay in excess of £30 million for his services.

The 3AM Verdict: Zabarnyi has taken to English football well over the past year or so, and Spurs must be kicking themselves that they couldn't sign him sooner. To that end, £30 million or so would still represent a fairly decent fee given the inflated nature of today's market, and if Ange Postecoglou is to go out and buy a defender this summer, he could do far worse than the Ukrainian.