West Ham plot £40m Arsenal raid as Tottenham eye in-form Harry Kane replacement

We begin Wednesday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up with news of Tottenham Hotspur and their apparent hunt for a new striker in the coming months. According to a report from The Sun, Ange Postecoglou's men are keeping tabs on Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke, and could look to make their move for the 26-year-old at the end of the season.

The Cherries hitman is currently the third-highest scorer in the Premier League, with 11 goals to his name already this season, and is also said to be attracting interest from Spurs' bitter rivals Arsenal. Speaking to The Sun, a source reportedly said: “Spurs want to sign a striker in the summer. The club hasn't replaced Harry Kane so recruiting a new forward is a big priority and Solanke is someone they are closely monitoring. They’ve sent scouts to watch him already several times this season, and they will continue to track him into the New Year. He ticks a lot of boxes for Spurs, and Bournemouth know if he carries on showing the kind of form he is then they will struggle to stop other clubs from sniffing around him. They are bracing themselves for bids.”

The 3AM Verdict: While Spurs have shown plenty of attacking intent with Harry Kane, and while Richarlison has increasingly found himself among the goals in recent weeks, it is hardly surprising to hear that they are still interested in bolstering their frontline further following Kane's summer departure. To that end, Solanke has impressed hugely this season, and if he can keep up his current run of form, there is no reason why he shouldn't be attracting attention from a number of ambitious Premier League sides.

Arsenal name Nketiah price

Elsewhere, Football Insider report that Arsenal could be willing to listen to offers of around £40 million for striker Eddie Nketiah in the coming weeks. The Hale End academy graduate has been linked with a move away from North London on several occasions in the past, and could be headed for the exit door as the Gunners look to fund purchases of their own next year.

West Ham are understood to be interested in the 24-year-old, as are Crystal Palace and Brentford. It is suggested that Nketiah is likely to remain at the Emirates until the end of the current campaign, but a January transfer could be on the cards if the right offer is tabled for his services.

The 3AM Verdict: Nketiah has been a dutiful understudy for Arsenal in recent seasons, but there is perhaps a feeling that the Gunners still need another top tier striker if they are to fully realise their potential as both a domestic and continental power. A sale, therefore, does make sense, and could also benefit the player too, who may finally get his chance to be a main man for a Premier League outfit.

Man United eye Cherki

And finally, the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford could prove to be the catalyst needed for Manchester United to make a long-anticipated swoop for Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki, according to Football Transfers. The Red Devils have been linked with the 20-year-old before, and may look to engineer a deal for the versatile youngster in the near future.

Ratcliffe will balance his work at Old Trafford with his role as owner of Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice, and it is claimed that his connections in France could come in useful with regards to luring Cherki to the Premier League. The attacking midfielder, who can also operate as a winger, has registered two assists and no goal in 17 league outings this season.

The 3AM Verdict: Cherki is a promising talent, although his goal contributions leave a lot to be desired this season. If he were to sign for United, chances are he would be deployed as a right winger, given the presence of both Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, and in that event, his arrival could finally sound the death knell on Antony's role as a regular starter for the Red Devils. The 20-year-old is a fine player, but make no mistake, there are reasons to be wary of this prospective deal, especially given United's hit and miss record with continental recruitment in the recent past.