Intriguing fresh twist in Arsenal's £30m transfer saga as Fulham close in on ideal Palhinha replacement
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Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has made a major claim over the futures of Premier League targets Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi.
Former Newcastle United star Merino is reportedly a key target for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of going one step further and claiming the Premier League title after falling narrowly short over the last two seasons. Zubimendi was a confirmed target for Liverpool over the last month and looked set to become Arne Slot’s first major signing since he was named as successor to Jurgen Klopp earlier this year. However, the Euro 2024 winner rejected the Reds advances and remained with the La Liga club.
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Hide AdIt seemed significant Merino was absent from the Sociedad squad that faced Rayo Vallecano in their opening La Liga fixture on Sunday afternoon and Zubimendi was named amongst the substitutes before coming off the bench to score a late goal in a 2-1 defeat for his side. However, Alguacil has claimed both players ‘still belong to Real’ and stated both ‘are going to be with the team to the death’.
He said: "Both are there, one is not on the list and the other is in the squad. They still belong to Real and both are going to be with the team to the death. Nothing changes, I said it yesterday. Those of us who are there will go all out to win the game. And then we’ll see who is there for the next one."
The 3AM Verdict: It seems Liverpool’s chances of landing Zubimendi are over (for now) after his decision to reject a move to Anfield. Despite the comments from Alguacil, Arsenal will take Merino’s absence as encouragement a move can be done before the deadline.
Fulham ‘re-open’ talks for Man Utd star
Fulham are still hoping to fill the void left behind by Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha after he made a big money move to Bayern Munich earlier this summer.
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Hide AdThe Cottagers have been linked with a number of high-profile midfielders but have reportedly refocused their attention on a move for Manchester United and Scotland star Scott McTominay. The Red Devils are believed to have rebuffed a number of offers for the academy product but Fulham have now ‘re-opened’ talks over a deal - according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.


He posted on X: “Fulham have re-opened talks with Manchester United over signing of Scott McTominay. Fulham had 2 bids rejected & weren’t expected to go back in unless United were willing to negotiate on asking price. Fulham now expected to make improved offer if talks go positively.”
The 3AM Verdict: “McTominay may well remain a divisive figure for some at Manchester United - but he still feels like someone that would offer Fulham a useful replacement for the impressive Palhinha. With power and work-rate in abundance, not to mention an eye for big goals, the Scotland star could be a shrewd addition if the price is right.”
Red Devils ‘agree’ £8.5m sale of outcast
One player that seems a lot closer to leaving Manchester United is winger Facundo Pellestri. The Uruguayan international joined the Red Devils from Penarol in 2020 but has gone on to make just 25 appearances in all competitions. He spent the second half of last season on loan at La Liga club Granada but is now set for a permanent switch away from Old Trafford according to The Athletic. They claim United have reached an agreement in principle to sell Pellestri to Greek giants Panathaniakos in a deal said to be worth around £8.5m.
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That comes after the player’s agent admitted it would be difficult for the winger to return to the Red Devils if Erik ten Hag remained as manager. "Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year will depend on the performance he shows," Edgardo Lasalvia told Sport 890. "If Ten Hag continues, it's going to be difficult. "Ten Hag hasn't used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional."
The 3AM Verdict: Pellestri has never really looked like holding down a regular spot in the Manchester United side and is never really likely to do so either. A permanent departure feels like the right move for all parties and it will be no surprise when it comes to fruition.
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