Liverpool make big defender transfer decision as West Ham chase £18m Chelsea bargain

The latest round of Premier League results are in and we have had another change at the top of the table in this thrilling 2023/24 season. Arsenal have once again taken the lead after Manchester City and Liverpool both dropped points this weekend.

The Gunners earned a 2-0 win over Brighton, while City were held 2-2 by Crystal Palace and Jurgen Klopp's side gave up their perfect Anfield streak after failing to get off the mark against Manchester United.

There are just three lots of fixtures left before we bid goodbye to 2023 and say hello to a brand new year, including the excitement of the January transfer window. So as the final days tick down, here's a look at some of the latest whispers on the Premier League rumour mill.

Liverpool make defensive decision

Liverpool's main concern over the summer was their midfield, but after bringing in four shiny new recruits, they're now back to worrying about the backline instead. Following Joël Matip's ACL injury, Jurgen Klopp has just four fit centre-backs on his roster, and one of them is Jarell Quansah, who at just 20 years of age, has very limited experience in the Premier League.

They do still have Nat Phillips on the books but he is out on loan with Celtic until January. The 26-year-old signed a short deal with the Hoops, with the option to extend for the full 2023/24 season. However, Football Insider has reported that Liverpool do not plan on exploring that option and he is set to return to Anfield in the new year.

The 3AM Verdict: Amid their recent injury concerns, recalling Phillips could be a blessing in disguise for the Reds. They may still bring in a new signing during the transfer window but the Bolton-born defender has stepped up before and knows the team well. Plus, after struggling for time on the pitch with Celtic, he will relish any chances to prove himself once again under Klopp and he will deliver that bit of breathing space and add some much-needed depth.

Arsenal hit roadblock in chase for £100m star

As they title race kicks on, Arsenal are keen to strengthen their ranks once the winter window opens. Mikel Arteta and co were busy during the summer and they've been eyeing up their next target for some time now. Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz is now 'number one' on Arsenal's priority list and they are determined to bring him to the Emirates in 2024.

However, another report from Football Insider has reported that while both the Gunners and title rivals Man City are very interested in Luiz, Villa are digging in their heels. The report claims the club have valued the Brazilian at £100 million and they are 'adamant' they will not sell in January.

The 3AM Verdict: A lot of deals have been done during the winter in the past, however it really doesn't look like there is anything that can sway Villa on their Luiz stance. Unai Emery's side are in incredible form, four points ahead of City, level with Liverpool and just one behind Arsenal in the table as they lurk in third place. Selling any player in January would be a complete self-sabotage move from Villa as they have their own goals to chase this season. Maybe in the summer they will entertain big money offers, but they really should not be authorising any outgoings next month based on the position they are currently in.

West Ham eye Chelsea defender

West Ham are on the market for a new full-back and rising star Ian Maatsen is on their radar. That's according to journalist Rudy Galetti, who has mentioned the Irons along with 'two other English clubs' as potential suitors for the 21-year-old.

Maatsen is a left-back by trade but he is extremely versatile and has played everywhere on the left, as well as in the centre and right midfield role in this season alone. He spent a crucial season with Burnley last term, earning important first team experience and contributing to their Premier League promotion. Maatsen's contract is due to expire in 2025 and while he was expected to complete a permanent move to Turf Moor, that didn't come to fruition and it seems he is not in the immediate plans at Chelsea either.

The 3AM Verdict: Maatsen is a young, rising star who is hungry to establish himself as a first team player. He is valued around the €15-20 million (£13-17m) mark and he is attracting a lot of attention already. The starlet would be a strong addition to West Ham, either in the new year or next summer, as Aaron Creswell's contract is set to expire in June, which will leave Emerson Palmieri as their only recognised left-back. Maatsen would provide important depth and even challenge the Italian for a starting spot if he impresses.