Arsenal undertake ‘scouting mission’ as Newcastle United ‘prepare’ Real Madrid bid

The Premier League is back after another international break, and it is as exciting as ever given the wide-open nature of this season, or at least so far. In previous seasons, we have grown used to one or two teams dominating the league from early on, but as of Saturday morning, Tottenham and Arsenal are the top two, while Aston Villa in fifth place are only four points worse off.

Will it last? Will Manchester City go on to reassert their dominance once again? Maybe. But for now, we have an old school - minus the VAR - Premier League to enjoy. With January fast approaching and the cold setting in, we also have some more rumours to enjoy, so join us below for the latest.

Andre scouting

Arsenal are said to be scouting a Brazilian talent as they look to plan ahead with their recruitment. The Gunners have spent more than £200million to set up another potential Premier League title charge this season, but such spending is not sustainable, at least not for a club without state ownership.

Brazilian talent Andre has been linked with a move to Liverpool previously, but 90min now say Arsenal are scouting the 22-year-old. Andre is now a Brazil international and he is under contract until 2026. Arsenal may be able to get their hands on the midfielder for £25million or less.

The 3AM verdict: Arsenal will need more quality in their midfield over the coming years, with Thomas Partey, Mateo Kovacic and others likely to fall short of the quality bar if the Gunners keep marching forward at their current pace. They had to spend £100million to sign Declan Rice and they cannot keep spending that kind of money, so a deal like this, signing a young player at a lower fee, would be a wise idea, even if it is more of a gamble.

Newcastle eye Ceballos

Newcastle are said to be interested in a move for Arsenal star Dani Ceballos ahead of the January. The Magpies may well need a holding midfielder in January given the Sandro Tonali uncertainty, and Fichajes say Ceballos could be available due to his reduced appearances this term. Tonali has been accused of betting violations, and he could be handed alengthy suspension.

The report claims Newcastle may be willing to bid £17.4million to sign Ceballos this winter, and Real Madrid may well be willing to strike a deal given the midfield competition at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ceballos is under contract until 2027 as things stand.

The 3AM verdict: Ceballos reclaimed his spot against the odds last season, but he has since fallen out of favour again amid the arrival of Jude Bellingham. It could well be a smart move for Newcastle, with Ceballos already having Premier League experience from his loan spell with Arsenal. He is likely to be available on a good price, too.

Williams latest

Aston Villa continue to be linked with a move for Athletic Club star Nico WIlliams. Williams is said to be in talks over a contract extension beyond the end of the current season, but he is said to be keen to agree a reduced release clause, keeping open the possibility of departing.

According to Mundo Deportivo, a new contract is close to be being agreed, and the current release clause will only be raised to around £55million, meaning it won’t likely deter the wealthy Aston Villa. It will be interesting to see if Williams is willing to leave in the summer, potentially just months after signing a new deal. Either way, this will be a concern with a silver lining for Villa.

The 3AM verdict: This is a strange situation, but Williams is undoubtedly happy at Athletic Club, able to play with his brother Inaki. Having said that, he is still young and he will likely want an opportunity in the future. Villa may well be the right match, but this is starting to feel like a deal that won’t happen until 2025.