Liverpool and Man Utd ‘prepare to face off’ as Chelsea ‘close in’ on £11.8m transfer

Matchweek two is upon us in the Premier League, and where did the time go?

It feels like only yesterday we that the end of the season rolled around, and we were all looking forward to putting our feet up. But this is no complaint, far from it, we’re all bored without football, let’s be honest with ourselves. There’s nothing quite like kick-off time, whether that’s Friday, Saturday, Sunday or one of the other days in the ever-growing football calendar.

We still have a few weeks before things get really serious - teams can still afford a slip-up or two at this stage - but what that does mean is that clubs are quickly running out of time to add to their respective squads. We now have less than two weeks to go in the transfer window, and the pressure is being ramped up at many clubs, with business still needing to be done.

With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Premier League.

Chelsea find new number two

Chelsea look to have found their replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga after the Spaniard joined Real Madrid.

Strictly speaking, Robert Sanchez was Kepa’s replacement, becoming Chelsea’s number one after Kepa’s resurgance last season, but the Blues now need a number two, and according to the Evening Standard, they have found one.

It’s claimed New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is the chosen man, with Chelsea paying £11.8million for his services. Petrovic is a 23-year-old Serbia international.

The 3AM verdict: Look at Chelsea thinking outside the box! It feels like, in recent months, the West London club have waited to see who Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester City want and then trumped whatever bid they have made with their US millions. Finally, it feels like the scouting department has done some work of their own, identifying a niche talent, and that will reassure some fans. It’s a reasonable fee, too, which is also unlike Chelsea.

Gravenberch battle

Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be interested in Bayern Munich star Ryan Gravenberch, but there seems to be a big problem.

“The big problem with Gravenberch is Bayern,” Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel. “They want to keep Gravenberch, they don’t want to sell him. But in the last two, three days, Gravenberch is insisting to consider some possibilities in the Premier League.

“Liverpool called to be informed on the situation exactly as they did for [Sofyan] Amrabat, but they never submitted a bid. So let’s see if they will decide to enter the race with an official proposal or not. But at the moment, nothing advanced yet. Bayern are the big issue because they don’t want to sell the player. But in case Bayern will give the green light in the final days of the window, keep an eye on Liverpool, but especially Manchester United.”

The 3AM Verdict: The big issue with this one is the timeline. Are Liverpool really going to wait until the very last moment to get another midfielder in? It doesn’t feel very Jurgen Klopp, with the German usually preferring a more organised approach. As for United - they have already spend a great deal during this window, and unless Scott McTominay departs, they look unlikely to add another midfielder.

Solanke bid

West Ham are said to have made a whopping £40million bid for Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke.

According to The Guardian, the Hammers saw their £40million bid rejected as they continue their search for a new frontman. West Ham are also said to retain an interest in Arsenal star Folarin Balogun, reportedly bidding as much as £45million.

West Ham endured a disappointing season of last, and they need to strengthen significantly after losing Declan Rice in the midfield. David Moyes will also have the challenge of Europa League football this season, making a striker signing that much more important.

The 3AM Verdict: West Ham are in desperate need of a frontman, and it seems they are willing to spend a chunk of the Rice money to get one. The problem is that clubs know they have money to spend, and it’s going to be no easy task to convince a fellow Premier League club to sell a striker at this stage of the window. A look abroad would be wise for the Hammers.