West Ham get ‘door open’ signal for £40m rival raid as Aston Villa target Bundesliga defender

West Ham could be handed an opportunity to sign Arsenal academy product Emile Smith Rowe in the near future, according to a report from Football Insider. It is understood that the midfielder is weighing up his options in north London as he struggles for regular first team minutes, and could ultimately seek a move away from his boyhood club.

For their part, the Hammers have expressed an interest in signing the 23-year-old previously, as have Chelsea, and could be encouraged to launch a raid - especially if the Gunners bring in more signings in his position. An offer of around £40 million could be enough to tempt Arsenal into a sale.

The 3AM Verdict: This feels like the sort of deal that could be a good idea for all involved. Smith Rowe is a fantastic talent, but is going to struggle to properly establish himself in this Arsenal side, and a club like West Ham - who are seemingly on a steady upwards trajectory - could be the ideal destination for him.

Villa eye Frimpong

Elsewhere, Aston Villa are being credited with an interest in Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong. The 22-year-old, once of Celtic, has made quite the impression in Germany in recent times, and is understood to be attracting attention from the Premier League, as per Kicker.

Frimpong only recently penned a new deal with his current club, but is understood to be subject to a release clause of around £35 million, which could make him a viable target for an English top flight club of Villa’s ilk. Any deal for the defender will have to wait until at least the end of the season, however.

The 3AM Verdict: Frimpong continues to go from strength to strength in Germany, and it is no surprise to see him linked with a club like Villa. Unai Emery’s recruitment has been exemplary since he arrived in the Midlands, and if he can continue to sign players like the Dutchman - young, exciting, and full of potential - then his project at Villa Park should thrive for a while to come.

Toney exit expected

And finally, Brentford are now ‘resigned’ to losing star striker Ivan Toney in the coming months, according to TEAMtalk. The forward is still serving a ban for gambling-related offences, but will make his return to first team action in the new year.

It is suggested that several clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, are eager to snap him up, with the Blues even willing to ignore the usual self-imposed restrictions on age in their recruitement policy to get a deal over the line. Toney is valued at around £70 million.

The 3AM Verdict: Whoever wins the race for Toney is going to be signing a top, top player - that much goes without saying. With that in mind, it is wise of Chelsea to overlook his age. This is a talent who could a job in the here and now, and lord knows the Blues could do with a little more of that.