Chelsea and Man United wrestle for blockbuster late signing as Arsenal eye £44m bold winger deal

 The biggest new Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and more.

It’s once again time for us to round up and review some of the biggest and juiciest new Premier League transfer stories – and today, we’re starting with a story from France which suggests that Manchester United and Chelsea could become embroiled in a titanic transfer tug-of-war.

RMC Sport alleges that both Premier League sides have now “enquired about the status” of Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who could be on his way towards a move after the European champions made the surprising decision to sign a replacement in Lucas Chevalier.

Manchester United have been linked with a bid for weeks amid continuing uncertainty over the status of error-prone shot stopper André Onana, but Chelsea have now “expressed interest” in Donnarumma – although “no formal discussion have yet been initiated” with either PSG or the player’s representatives.

26-year-old Donnarumma, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, will leave next summer anyway at the end of his PSG contract and apparently won’t go anywhere this summer if “no project deemed attractive… presents itself” – but Chelsea and United may test out their sales pitches soon. No word on how much he might cost, or on his wage demands.

The 3AM Verdict: While it’s not necessarily surprising to see Chelsea’s name thrown into the conversation, we’ll view this story with a certain degree of healthy scepticism until we get more detail and corroboration, as without any word about negotiations or financial details it does sound more like supposition than solid, verifiable fact. Still, United’s interest is real and they’re just working on getting some sales sorted before they consider whether to test the water. Don’t be surprised if either side makes a move before the end of the summer.

Arsenal eye up £44m former Everton star

Over to a story for Arsenal supporters, now – according to The Sun, the Gunners “remain keen” on Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman and “could swoop in” with a bid for the want-away Nigeria star.

Lookman has publicly demanded a transfer after claiming that his current employers reneged on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave, with Inter having had a bid of £39m turned down – but Arsenal are allegedly considering taking advantage of the situation by making a bid of their own which could be “closer to £44m”.

The bad news, however, is that Lookman “isn’t interested” in Arsenal and is only really interested in the proposed move to the San Siro, according to this report. That may not bother Mikel Arteta all that much, with Eberechi Eze still said to be the priority, with Lookman no more than an alternative option.

The 3AM Verdict: Look, it’s The Sun, and we always prefer to take their stories with a certain pinch of salt – and we can’t help but find it convenient that the same story which alleges a bid could be made also provides a reason that it won’t be. A deal seems unlikely to us, with Arsenal focused on Eze and Rodrygo and Inter firmly at the front of the queue for Lookman.

Sunderland want two defenders – including Crystal Palace target

Let’s finish up on Wearside. According to TBR Football, Sunderland “remain very keen” on Sevilla defender Loïc Badé, who is “set to leave” so long as someone stumps up the £30m asking price his Spanish side have set.

Bayer Leverkusen are already in “advanced talks” but despite the German giants’ involvement, Sunderland are still said to be “one to watch” and could launch a rival bid – not that Badé is the only centre-half on their shortlist.

Sport Witness report that the Black Cats have also “emerged as a suitor” for former Bournemouth and Newcastle United defender Lloyd Kelly, despite the fact that the 26-year-old has only just completed a permanent move to Juventus this summer. Juve aren’t convinced by their own purchase and the Italian media claim that Sunderland have “made initial contact” over an €18-20m (£16-17.5m) move. Crystal Palace are also “a candidate” for Kelly.