Arsenal receive intriguing update on £86m transfer target as Aston Villa ready 'official' bid

We begin Wednesday’s Premier League transfer rumour round-up with news of Arsenal’s continued pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. According to Jornal de Notícias, Arsenal are the main contenders to sign the Swede this summer, and have been ‘very impressed’ with his form in recent times.

The report goes on to state that it is now ‘almost certain’ that Gyokeres will leave Portugal in the coming months, with the expectation being that it will either be Arsenal or one of their Premier League rivals who win the race for his signature. The forward has a release clause of around £86 million written into his contract in Lisbon.

The 3AM Verdict: It is little wonder that Gyokeres is so in demand at the moment. With 41 goals and 15 assists in 47 outings this season, he is one of the hottest strikers in Europe, and has fully deserved his right to try his luck with one of the biggest clubs on the continent. At £86 million, he won’t be cheap, but he may prove to be a hugely worthwhile investment.

Villa ready playmaker bid

Elsewhere, Aston Villa are understood to be readying a swoop for Besiktas star Ernest Muçi, according to Fanatik. The Turkish club beat the Villans to his signature during the January transfer window, but it is suggested that Unai Emery’s men are willing to reignite their interest in the playmaker in the coming weeks.

Muçi has hit three goals in 13 outings for Besiktas, and is under contract in Turkey until 2027. Despite this, Villa are said to be circling for the Albania international, and are preparing an ‘official offer’ of around £12.9 million.

The 3AM Verdict: Muçi is a fine talent, but that initial bid of £13 million or so is unlikely to be enough to prise him away from Besiktas, with president Hasan Arat having revealed that he has already rejected a £17.2 million offer from an unnamed side for his player. Still, if Villa are willing to up the ante, this could be a goer.

Locko in demand

And finally, according to Football Insider, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and West Ham are all keen on signing Brest left-back Bradley Locko this summer. The 22-year-old has been in impressive form over in France this season, and is said to be attracting attention from a number of Premier League outfits.

Locko signed for Brest last year following a successful loan stint from Stade de Reims, and has established himself as an ever-present for this term, starting each of his side’s 32 Ligue 1 games and registering three assists. He his under contract in France until 2027.

The 3AM Verdict: Locko has been making huge strides this season, and it is testament to his progress that he is catching the eye of such high profile Premier League suitors. Whether anything comes of Football Insider’s report remains to be seen, but certainly, his could be a name to watch out for between now and the end of the summer.