Villa poised to deal Arsenal major transfer blow as City eye £86m man

The latest Premier League transfer rumours, including updates from Villa, Arsenal, Man City and Man United

Recent reports that Aston Villa had posted a £120m loss over the course of last season had fuelled speculation that they would be forced to sell star players in order to comply with current profit and sustainability rules, but 90min claim that Villa are “adamant” that they are not under financial pressure – and as such have no plans to sell midfielder Douglas Luiz despite interest from Arsenal.

Apparently the club “are not interested in parting ways” with Luiz and there is “optimism” that the Brazilian will continue his career in the midlands.

The 3AM Verdict: If Villa are being honest then this is clearly great news for the club, as Luiz is the engine room of their top-four side. Arsenal, meanwhile, will have the resources to sign him, but do have other options.

One of the big transfer stories that never happened last summer was Manchester City’s pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá – a deal which was scuppered after Paquetá was accused of breaching gambling rules. The investigation into those allegations continues, but it sounds like City are preparing another bid regardless. The Daily Mail claim that City are considering triggering an £86m release clause this summer, and that City are “willing to wait” on the midfielder who they apparently see as a long-term successor to Bernardo Silva.

The 3AM Verdict: The FA have previously hinted that the investigation was nearing its conclusion but no decision has yet been made – we can reasonably assume that City won’t spend such a huge amount of cash until they know that there’s no chance of a suspension.

Caught Offside report claims from Fabrizio Romano that although City rightback Kyle Walker was close to joining Bayern Munich last summer, he isn’t expected to go anywhere this summer as it stands.

The 3AM Verdict: Walker doesn’t seem to be slowing down and remains Pep Guardiola’s undisputed first choice at right-back, so it seems perfectly plausible that he isn’t going anywhere.

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