Liverpool open ‘direct talks’ with £87m striker as Chelsea plot stunning Arsenal transfer raid

We begin Wednesday’s Premier Leaguetransfer rumour round-up with news of an audacious goalkeeping-related swoop from across capital. According to Ben Jacobs, having watched comparably shaky displays from both Robert Sanchez and his opposite number David Raya at the weekend, Chelsea have decided that they might quite like to enact a raid for out of favour Gunners stopper Aaron Ramsdale.

The England international has been shelved by Mikel Arteta in recent weeks, and as speculation over his long-term future in north London mounts, the Blues are understood to be considering a potential move. It is undestood, however, the Arsenal may be unwilling to let Ramsdale go, even if he is still seen as a second choice option by the time the January transfer window rolls around.

The 3AM Verdict: There are two sides to this. On the one hand, of course Arsenal would rather keep Ramsdale than let him go - especially to a rival. The 25-year-old is a wonderful talent, and there aren’t many - if any - better deputy goalkeepers in the Premier League. That being said, how long Ramsdale is happy to accept a reduced role before he starts to agitate for a move remains to be seen.

Liverpool in Osimhen talks

Elsewhere, reports in Italy claim that Liverpool have made direct contact with Victor Osmihen over a potential transfer. The Nigerian hitman is one of the most in-demand strikers in global football, and is currently in negotiations with Napoli over a prospective contract extension with the Serie A champions.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have not been dissuaded by this, however, and are seemingly ready to pounce if and when talks break down between the 24-year-old and his employers. It has been suggested that a fee of around £87 million could now be enough to prise him away from Napoli as his deal in Italy continues to ebb away.

The 3AM Verdict: Whoever wins the race for Osimhen when he does eventually leave Napoli is going to secure themselves one of the brightest attacking lights in world football. Will that be Liverpool? At this stage it is far too soon to tell, although you would have to say that competition will be incredibly fierce and they will face an uphill battle even if they are successful.

West Ham eye Pavlidis

And finally, West Ham are said to be considering a swoop for AZ Alkmaar striker Vangelis Pavlidis. The 24-year-old has been on fire this season, hitting 14 goals in 15 outings thus far, and is understood to have capture the Hammers’ attention following a blistering start to the current campaign, as per 90min.

For their part, the Irons are understood to be in the market for attacking reinforcements in January, and at the time of writing are one of the only sides considering a move for Pavlidis. At this stage, it is unclear what Alkmaar’s asking price for the player might be.

The 3AM Verdict: You can’t argue with that kind of return. Whether Pavlidis can sustain his current form over the entirety of the campaign remains to be seen, but if the Greek came to England and provided even a fraction of the goal threat he is currently showing he would be a very, very good signing.