Newcastle United prepare bold raid for Arsenal midfielder as Spurs man wanted in Serie A

Arsenal have been told to make a big money move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney if they want to find their ‘missing link’.

The England frontman will return to action in January after he has completed an eight-month ban for breaching FA gambling regulations. Despite his on-field absence, speculation over Toney’s future with the Bees has hit the headlines with regularity and a number of clubs are believed to be considering a move for his services during the January transfer window.

Former Chelsea and West Ham United defender Scott Minto admitted he would ‘love to see him’ join one of his old clubs - but feels a move to the Emirates Stadium could be ‘the natural fit’.

“Ivan Toney, for me, actually has it all,” he told talkSPORT. “So, I’m really disappointed with what happened and he’s not been able to play. Will one of the big boys come in January? We’ll have to wait and see. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see him in a Chelsea shirt but he’s over 25, so it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Anybody, Ivan Toney would improve. He might be that missing link for Arsenal so that seems the natural fit.”

The 3AM Verdict: Despite Arsenal’s undoubted progress over the last two years, there is a feeling that they could well be missing a more natural striker. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have both found the net this season but Toney feels like he would add something different to Mikel Arteta’s forward line.

Magpies eye move for Gunners star

Newcastle United are reportedly considering making an offer for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe - although could find difficulty in agreeing a deal with their Premier League rivals.

The Gunners academy product has made six appearances in all competitions so far this season - but only one has been as part of Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven. That has led to speculation a number of clubs are keen on a January deal for the three-times capped England midfielder and The Mirror have suggested the Magpies are ready to test the waters with a loan offer.

The 3AM Verdict: Smith Rowe is unquestionably a genuine talent and is clearly admired by Mikel Arteta. Given the number of games Arsenal will face this season, it would surely be difficult to allow any players to depart - unless an irresistible offer was received.

Spurs star lined up for Mourinho reunion

Reports in Italy have suggested Jose Mourinho is ready to raid former club Tottenham Hotspur and hand Eric Dier a chance to reinvigorate his career in Serie A.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss has routinely returned to the Premier League to add to his Roma squad after the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Tammy Abraham all moved to the Stadio Olimpico during his time in charge.

TuttoSport have now claimed Dier has been made ‘first-choice target’ for Mourinho as he looks to improve his defensive options as the England international struggles to find his way into Ange Postecoglou’s in-form side.

The 3AM Verdict: Mourinho has already reinvigorated the career of several players during his time at Roma and there seems no reason Dier couldn’t be added to that list. Working under his former boss could just be what he needs to kickstart a career that offered so much.