Liverpool target asking price increased as Chelsea eye 16-goal striker and Arsenal face potential sale dilemma

The transfer window has already taken so many surprise twists and turns since it opened that we’re wondering if there are any more that could possibly be heading in our direction. What are we saying? Of course there are. This is shaping up to be one of the most exciting transfer windows of recent years and more fireworks are definitely on the horizon.

So, let’s dive right into the latest transfer updates, including Premier League big guns Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal.

Liverpool target asking price has increased

The Reds are eager to make moves towards their potential Jordan Henderson and Fabinho replacements, as they brace for the duo’s departure this window. Saudi Arabia have come knocking for both midfielders and exits look imminent, so the Reds are scouring the market for new recruits.

According to Football Insider, Cheick Doucouré is one of the more recent names on the radar but their latest report claims that Crystal Palace have hiked up his asking price amid the mega money deals being agreed for the likes of Declan Rice. The Eagles initially were looking at accepting £35 million for Doucouré but now that figure has changed to £50 million.

The 3AM verdict: With Liverpool expected to make a combined £50 million through the sale of both Henderson and Fabinho, it makes sense to use the funds on a player they are really fond of. Jurgen Klopp already wanted to spendmoney on a third midfielder before the two Anfield stars were set to depart, so now he is searching for a fourth in order to plug the gap. So if the club were willing to splash out on another recruit for the engine room with Fabinho and Henderson still on the books, why would they not use the funds raised through their sales to bring in another?

Chelsea set sights on Ollie Watkins

Amid their team exodus which has seen the likes of Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount leave the club, Chelsea are hunting down new attacking options. One of the latest links has connected them to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, according to journalist Simon Phillips (via football.london).

The Blues are set to part ways with Romelu Lukaku this summer and Watkins is on the radar, but it will be a tough ask to prise him away from Villa, who aren’t willing to cash in on their goal-getter without putting up a fight.

The 3AM verdict: Watkins racked up 16 goals in the Premier League for Villa last season, finishing as the club’s top scorer by some stretch. Since signing for the midlands outfit in 2020, he has never failed to reach double goalscoring figures every season. In fact, the last time the Englishman scored less than 10 goals in a season was back in 2016.

Chelsea are desperate for tried and tested goalscorers after their problematic 2022/23 season and Watkins would definitely fit the bill. However, it will be tough to sway the 27-year-old away from his current club, given the fact Villa are very much on an upwards trajectory and Chelsea have been struggling with form and have lost a large amount of their key players.

Inter Milan want Folarin Balogun

Inter Milan have set their sights firmly on Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun but Arsenal’s asking price of €40 million (£34.6m) is proving to be a roadblock for the Serie A side. That’s according to Sky Sports Italy, who report that Inter are in pole position to sign Balogun and ‘will do everything’ to make sure a deal materialises. However, Tuttosport claim that his price tag is viewed as on the ‘expensive’ side for the Nerazzurri.

The general consensus is that Balogun will be moved on, despite him smashing home 21 Ligue 1 goals with Stade Reims during his loan spell last season.

The 3AM verdict: Arsenal need to balance their books after a summer of hefty spending so far, including their blockbuster move for Rice. Balogun also hasn’t been a big part of Mikel Arteta’s plans up until now either and now he’s spread his wings on loan, he will be searching for regular football. A summer move seem to be the clear favoured choice for both parties, so while the Gunners are looking to bring in as much cash as possible, Balogun is an academy product, and any sale will be a profit, so they can perhaps afford to lower their asking price in order to get a deal over the line.