Newcastle United open defender talks as five clubs chase £50 Arsenal man, Everton agree Chelsea deal

It’s still going. One of these days perhaps the transfer market and its speculation circus will run out of steam and the rumours will shrivel and wilt away, but today is not that day! Behold how they crash and career towards us, slowing for nothing, intent only on providing us with idle chat about things that may or may not happen, and that we have absolutely zero control over.

Is it tiring? Yes. Is it daunting? Kind of. But you know what they say - if you can’t beat them, corroborate all of their suggestions into one handy to digest round-up and then offer your own opinion on things as if it makes the slightest bit of difference to anything or anyone! Shall we? We shall.

Toon linked with Bonucci

There are few downsides to being the richest club in world football. As Newcastle United fans are discovering all too quickly, the pace at which on-field progress is made far outstrips the burden of constant envious criticism, and while the morals that uphold the regime that upholds the Magpies can be difficult to stomach, many of the devoted black and white would argue that things are pretty good at St. James’ Park right now.

One slight bugbear, however - one measly gripe - is that every transfer window from now until the inevitable heat death of the universe will bring with it a mudslide of ridiculous links and rumours - the kind that will never, ever, ever come to fruition but that must be sifted through regardless. Take, for example, Calciomercato’s assertion that Leonardo Bonucci has been in talks with Toon chiefs over a potential move this summer.

Word on the cobblestoned streets of Turin is that he could be on his way out of Juventus in the coming weeks, with his contract expiring next year and the Old Lady reluctant to lose him for nothing further down the line. It is claimed that neither the MLS or Saudi Arabia appeal to the Italian, but the prospect of a move to a Saudia Arabian satellite on the banks of the Tyne might tickle his fancy. Personally, I shall believe it when I see it.

The 3AM Verdict: Five years ago, Bonucci would have been just about the most eye-catching signing that a club like Newcastle could ever hope to make, but now, he doesn’t really fit the direction or trajectory of their project. The Magpies should be signing players with high potential and the capability to carry them forward for years to come. At 36, regardless of how good he is, Bonucci is just not that guy any more.

Balogun in demand

Elsewhere, Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is proving to be a very, very popular boy this summer. After lighting up France like la Tour Eiffel last season, the centre-forward is seemingly determined to stride out on his own as he seeks regular first team opportunities in the coming weeks.

According to the Daily Mail, no less than five continental clubs are keeping tabs on him, with AC Milan, Inter, Marseille, Monaco, and RB Leipzig all interested. Balogun is also attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, but a move away from England is understood to be the most likely option at this stage.

Regardless, if Arsenal can get anywhere near the £50 million they are said to be demanding for his signature, his transfer could make him more popular in north London than anywhere else.

The 3AM Verdict:On the evidence of what we saw last season, whoever signs Balogun is going to be nabbing themselves a very tidy goalscorer with immense potential. His chances of breaking into the Arsenal first team look slim, however, and as such, if the Gunners can fetch £50 million for him - or indeed anything close to that amount - they will be conducting a very astute piece of business. Everyone could benefit here.

Everton agree Chelsea sale

And finally, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Everton have reached a verbal agreement to sell one of their players to Chelsea. The talent in question? A young prospect by the name of Ishe Samuels-Smith, who is just 17 years old and plays as a left-back.

Look, it may not be the biggest deal of the summer, but who knows, in five years’ time it could be regarded as an absolute masterstroke. Or he will slip through the cracks of Chelsea’s vast youth nexus like sand through a colander, never to be seen again. Either way, the transfer will cost around £4 million.

The 3AM Verdict: Only time will tell on this one, but all you can say is that you hope it proves to be a wise move for Samuels-Smith. Many before him have move to Chelsea at this point in their career and failed to make any kind of impression whatsoever. He’ll be aiming to avoid a similar fate.