Newcastle United chief jets out ahead of next January raid as Arsenal willing to 'bid hard' for £52m attacker

We begin Thursday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up with a look at Newcastle United, and their hunt for midfield reinforcements. A recent injury to stalwart Joelinton, as well as Sandro Tonali's ongoing ban for gambling-related offences, has left the Magpies a touch light in the centre of the park, and it is understood that they could once again turn to Serie A in their efforts to bolster Eddie Howe's ranks.

As per TuttoMercatoWeb, chief scout Steve Nickson was in attendance for Atalanta's recent win over Frosinone, with a specific focus on Brazilian midfielder Ederson. It is said that the Magpies have already made contact over a prospective deal, and are readying themselves to make an 'important offer' for the 24-year-old. For their part, Atalanta reportedly have no intention of sanctioning his exit this month, and would rather wait until the summer, when they would be given a greater opportunity to find a suitable replacement.

The 3AM Verdict: Newcastle's need for a new midfielder is obvious for all to see, but equally, that does mean that any clubs they attempt to engineer a deal with are more likely to see them coming and make things difficult accordingly. Ederson is a fine player, but it feels improbable that Atalanta's stance on him will suddenly soften in the coming weeks.

Arsenal eye Willian

No, not that one. According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are among the clubs chasing Palmeiras youngster Estevão Willian. The 16-year-old has seemingly caught the eye of several elite European sides, with the Gunners joining the likes of Barcelona in pursuit of his signature.

Indeed, this latest update claims that Mikel Arteta's men are willing to 'bid hard' for the starlet, who is understood to have a £51.5 million release clause written into his current contract in Brazil. Any club looking to sign Willian will have to be patient, however, with the player unable to actually move to Europe until he turns 18 in 2025.

The 3AM Verdict: What a coup this would be for Arsenal. Willian is a tricky winger with an undeniable Brazilian flair to him, and even at his tender age, it is clear to see why he is so in-demand. Luring him to North London wouldn't be easy, but the best pieces of business rarely are.

Amorim responds to Gyokeres interest

And finally, Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has dismissed talk of a Chelsea bid for star striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede has been in electric form since signing from Coventry City over the summer, and the Blues have been credited with a £73 million [€85 million] bid for his services.

However, speaking in a recent press conference, Amorim has moved to shut down any rumours of an impending exit. He said: 'Obviously, I was informed of the news. As soon as they said it was 85, I thought: ‘that’s not enough’. It’s only 100. I’m not worried.

'Obviously, every club has to sell. What they’ve said is that, in the middle of the season, they’ll only leave for the clause. As we can’t control that, I feel quite calm because we can’t do anything about it. I’m sure there could be offers in the summer. Right now, I don’t know. We’ll have to sell, but right now only for the clause. It’s hard for anyone to beat 100 million. I doubt there’s been an offer. I’d be informed, I believe. I don’t believe it was true. €85m is far from our value, we’re not going to suffer in anticipation.'

The 3AM Verdict: Well that's that, then. If Chelsea are intent on signing Gyokeres they can either pay his £86 million release clause or they can sling their hook. This always felt like a long shot, largely due to the fact that the striker has only been in Portugal since the summer, but for the time being at least, it looks as if he will be remaining there.