Spurs ‘not willing’ to pay fee for 21-goal striker, Liverpool & Man City target could push January move

The competition at both the top and bottom of the Premier League is hotting up following the latest round of results. Heading into the next game-week, Tottenham Hotspur keep their spot at the top of the table, but both Arsenal and Manchester City continue to pile on the pressure.

Right now, the battle for the title and the top four is wide open and there’s still plenty of time before the end of the season for some twists and turns. Let’s not forget there is the small matter of the January transfer window to present itself as well, which could see a number of teams bring in potentially season-changing signings. Let’s take a look at some of the latest rumour mill updates.

Spurs ‘not willing’ to pay £60m for 21-goal striker

Ahead of his return to professional football, Ivan Toney has been linked to a move away from Brentford and is weighing up his options as the January transfer window approaches. Spurs have been ‘expressing their desire’ to sign the 27-year-old, but recent reports have claimed they aren’t keen on his asking price.

According to Fichajes, Brentford are looking for €70 million (£60.8m) to part ways with their star striker, who tallied 21 goals and five assists last season. However, Spurs are ‘not willing’ to entertain the amount and are entering negotiations in attempt to bring down the price tag. Arsenal are also said to be keen on signing Toney, whose suspension following breaches of betting regulations will be up on January 16th.

The 3AM Verdict:Toney will be eager to get back onto the pitch after eight months away from any football-related activities and he is said to be looking to move to a ‘big club.’ His ability certainly warrants being at such a club and Brentford’s high price tag is more than understandable, considering he scored a third of his team’s Premier League goals last season.

Spurs aren’t shy for goals right now, with Son Heung-min on eight for the term so far, and James Maddison also enjoying playing his part with three goals and five assists. However, after selling Harry Kane, there is still a gap to be filled and while Tottenham are impressing without him, Toney could provide an immediate impact and make them even more of a threat up front.

Liverpool target could push for January move

Jamal Musiala could be pushing for a move away from Bayern Munich in the new year if he doesn’t start getting more regular game time. The 20-year-old has started four games this season, came off the bench twice, and was left on the bench on one occasion. Last season, the midfielder tallied 16 goals and 16 assists and his market value has naturally skyrocketed.

According to Football Insider, Musiala is considering his options ahead of the January window, with Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid all interested in signing him. However, despite Bayern claiming he isn’t for sale, they value him beyond the £100 million mark and he remains under contract in Germany until 2026.

The 3AM Verdict: Liverpool’s midfield dilemma is not yet over but Jurgen Klopp is focusing mainly on a new No.6 rather than another attacking-minded player. The Reds pulled out of talks with Jude Bellingham during the summer due to his nine-figure asking price, despite their surprise £111 million bid for Moisés Caicedo later in the window.

Having already spent almost £130 million on Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, it’s hard to see Liverpool forking out another large sum for a creative midfielder, especially just three months after the summer window closed. Plus, their funds should really be kept for when Mohamed Salah inevitably leaves the club, and the Reds are on the market for a right-winger of similar calibre to the Egyptian.

Chelsea could sign 13-goal striker with no agent

Chelsea have reportedly been eyeing up signing 22-year-old Santiago Gimenez and a recent update from Fabrizio Romano could give them an even bigger nudge in his direction. The transfer guru recently wrote on Substack (h/t Chelsea Chronicle), that a fee as small as €45 million (£39m) could be enough to prise the Dutchman from Feyenoord, who also does not have an agent as things stand.

Gimenez is currently under his father’s instruction, which could be a big plus when it comes to negotiating for his signature. The 22-year-old is on fire this season, with a whopping 13 goals and three assists in 10 Eredivisie games alone.

The 3AM Verdict:Chelsea only signed striker Nicolas Jackson during the summer but he has already come under criticism, having gotten on the scoresheet just twice in the league this season. The Blues are currently 11th in the table with just three wins on the board and goal-scoring has been somewhat of a weak point this season. Signing a prolific goal-scorer at such a young age and for a very friendly price tag could be a stroke of genius. Not only would Chelsea benefit from his attacking threat in the immediate, they will likely make a huge profit on him in the future, providing his trajectory continues.