Aston Villa lead Man City and Spurs in race for £17m star as Arsenal 'close' to defender agreement

We begin Friday’s Premier League transfer rumour round-up with news of Arsenal and their continued interest in Fenerbahçe full-back Ferdi Kadıoğlu. The Gunners have been linked with the defender for some time now, but according to a fresh report from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, they are edging ever closer to wrapping up a deal for the 24-year-old.

It is understood that talks between Arsenal and the player’s representatives are ongoing, with both parties keen to reach an agreement on personal terms. At the present moment in time, however, there have been no concrete negotiations between the Gunners and Fenerbahçe. Kadıoğlu has scored three goals and assisted five more from left-back this season.

The 3AM Verdict: Kadıoğlu is undoubtedly a player of real quality, and is unusually comfortable on the ball for a defender. Generally operating in an inverted full-back role, he is both a threat on the front foot and a solid presence in his own defensive third. Much of this will, of course, depend on whether or not Fenerbahçe are willing to entertain talks with Arsenal, but this could prove to be a smart swoop.

Palace eye Traorè

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace are said to be showing an interest in Bournemouth outcast Hamed Junior Traorè, according to reporter Gianluigi Longari. The Ivorian is currently out on loan at Napoli, but has struggled to establish himself as a key presence in Italy, and is expected to return to England this summer rather than making his temporary stint permanent.

His prospects at the Vitality Stadium don’t appear to be much better, however, and it is in this context that Palace are understood to be willing to offer him an escape route. As per Longari, the Eagles are ‘intent on requesting’ a deal for the 24-year-old, and would ideally be looking to secure a loan agreement for his services.

The 3AM Verdict: Evidently Palace see something in Traorè that neither Bournemouth nor Napoli do. It is likely to be a busy summer at Selhurst Park, and the Eagles arguably represent one of the most exciting projects in the Premier League under new manager Oliver Glasner, so from the player’s perspective at least, this feels like an absolute no-brainer.

Villa keen on Soler

And finally, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler has been offered to Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City, but it is Aston Villa who feel that they have a good chance of signing the star this summer after opening talks. According to HITC, the Villans are in discussions over a potential swoop for the Spaniard, and currently lead the race for his signature.

PSG are expected to cash in on a number of players over the coming weeks, with Soler one of several who could be allowed to leave. The 27-year-old is valued at around £17 million and was frequently compared to David Silva earlier in his career.

The 3AM Verdict: This would be a wonderful coup for Villa, who now have the advantage of walking into any transfer negotiations as a Champions League outfit. It is unclear whether any of their Premier League rivals are interested in Soler, but regardless, if the Villans could steal a march on any prospective suitors to snap him up, they would be bagging themselves a hugely talented presence in the centre of the park.