Arsenal & Spurs in ‘ongoing’ talks over striker switch as Liverpool star draws fresh interest

Welcome to Friday morning’s round-up of the latest and juiciest Premier League transfer rumours doing the rounds in the global media – and we’ll start in North London today, where Sport Witness have some thoughts on reports that both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur and set to continue their rivalry in the transfer market this summer.

They’ve picked up on reports that both clubs are allegedly interested in Feyenoord and Mexico striker Santiago Giménez – not a new name for the rumour mill, admittedly, but according to these reports both clubs have already made approaches and apparently “talks have been ongoing for weeks” with the clubs “working to get a deal done before the summer transfer window even opens.”

Sport Witness do, however, note that they are slightly sceptical of the reports, which aren’t sufficiently fleshed out to include a proposed price tag. They suspect that there’s a fair chance this could be an agent getting his client’s name out there rather than an indication of genuine negotiations – but it’s hardly the first time that the 22-year-old striker has been linked with a move to North London, so who knows?

The 3AM Verdict: However genuine this particular report may be, Giménez is surely a player that the two teams are at least keeping tabs on given that they both need a striker, and their interest would certainly have been piqued by a run of 13 goals in eight Eredivisie games earlier this season and by his two hat-tricks. The goals have dried up a bit since, however, and he’s bagged just twice in his last 11 league matches. The jury is back out again, and it wouldn’t be a shock if Arsenal and Spurs had cooled their interest a little.

Koné the Manu for Arsenal

Sticking with Arsenal, Caught Offside are separately reporting that they’re “one of a number of clubs keeping an eye on” Borussia Mönchengladbach midfield Kouadio ‘Manu’ Koné, who was linked with a move to Liverpool last summer but continues to ply his trade in the Bundesliga.

Apparently a slight downturn in his form and that of his club means he would be available for rather less money this summer, with Mönchengladbach considering cashing out with just two years left on his current contract. The 22-year-old Frenchman doesn’t seem to have a set price just yet, but apparently quite a few “top European clubs” are keen.

The 3AM Verdict: With Arsenal also linked with a bid for Wolves’ João Gomes, it seems as though Mikel Arteta might be turning his attention towards the signing of a combative defensive midfielder to work alongside Declan Rice next year – and while it’s true that Koné hasn’t been as good this season as he was last time out, he’s still young and puts up some very impressive numbers for defensive contributions and dribbling. A very dynamic talent, and if the price is reasonable then surely worth a punt.

Díaz departure rumours deepen

Finally, some news which may be of interest to Liverpool fans concerned that in-form Colombian winger Luis Díaz could be leaving this summer – according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona are throwing their name into the hat as a possible suitor for the forward.

Paris Saint-Germain have already been linked heavily with a bid in recent weeks and apparently the Catalans also see Díaz as “one of its priorities” this summer, although there has been no formal contact as yet. That may be because, as Fichajes note, Barcelona probably can’t afford the reported €80m (£68.4m) asking price, but that hasn’t stopped them dreaming of replacing Raphinha with him.

The 3AM Verdict: We’re deeply sceptical about this one, partly because Fichajes have what we’ll politely call a patchy track record with their rumours, and partly because, as they note, they really don’t have much cash to spare. In any case, much will depend on the next manager and how they want to develop the squad, because Díaz remains under contract for three more seasons at least.