Arsenal could land £47m transfer war chest boost as Liverpool defender eyes exit

There was probably more than a little surprise when former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany was named as new head coach at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Just weeks after fighting an unsuccessful relegation battle with the Clarets, the Belgian boss will now be focusing on claiming silverware with the German powerhouse after he was named as permanent successor to Thomas Tuchel earlier this week. Kompany will now spend the summer looking to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited and he is reportedly ready to make an immediate return to the Premier League to make his first new signings.

The Daily Mirror have reported Bayern are ‘watching developments’ over Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future at Arsenal and that could be part of a double swoop on the Emirates Stadium after Football Transfers claimed Gunners midfielder Albert Sambi Lakonga is also under consideration for a move to the Allianz Arena.

The 3AM Verdict: “It would make sense for Kompany to stick with what he knows when he is making his first moves as Bayern boss and he did come up against both Zinchenko and Lakonga last season during his time with Burnley. However, it seems unlikely firm decisions will have been taken over either player at this point in time.”

Man City make major decision over ‘unique’ £35m star

With the disappointment of their FA Cup Final defeat against Manchester United now behind them and the celebrations over yet another Premier League title win over, Manchester City are focused on what lies ahead during the summer transfer window.

It seems unlikely major surgery will be conducted on Pep Guardiola’s side - but the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is reportedly facing a major decision over the future of one of his key players after Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League. After enjoying an overwhelmingly successful seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium, there have been reports suggesting the former Benfica stopper would be open to a move to the Gulf State.

ESPN have now given an update on City’s stance over any potential move as they said: “Ederson has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL), but City are not actively looking to part with him and offers will only be considered if the Brazil international makes it clear he wants to leave the Etihad Stadium.”

The 3AM Verdict: “Ederson would leave a very big hole in the City side if he was to depart and although Srefan Ortega performed well during his absence through injury, it would mean Guardiola would likely have to spend big to find a new number one stopper. However, every player has a shelf life at a club and you do suspect this summer could well be the time for a parting of ways with the Brazil star.”

Liverpool defender makes transfer demand

Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg has revealed he wants to leave Anfield on a permanent basis and believes the Reds are making life difficult for any potential suitors.

The Netherlands Under-21 international joined Liverpool from Dutch side PEC Zwolle during the summer of 2019 and has made just four senior appearances for the Reds during that time. The vast majority of his first-team experience has come during loan spells with Preston North End, Schalke 04 and FSV Mainz, spending the entirety of last season with the latter. Although there is a despite over the presence of a £5m permanent contract clause in the agreement, Van den Berg has claimed he now wants to leave Anfield and test his ability against high calibre opposition in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, he said:  “I had a good conversation with the management. He said he had received good reports. I understood that I wasn't going to play Van Dijk, Matip or Konate out (of the team). But I thought I could be right behind it. When I didn't get a chance again, I said: 'Figure it out, I want to leave.'

"You (Liverpool) didn't exude confidence in me all this time, but you do want to hinder my future. I want to keep playing every week and develop myself further. In Germany, I enjoy Dortmund away with 70,000 people, Bayern Munich away against Harry Kane, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Leverkusen, against clubs like that I am challenged every week."

The 3AM Verdict: “Despite the presence of a new manager at Anfield, it seems increasingly unlikely Van den Berg will be given an opportunity to shine at Liverpool over the coming months. That means a permanent departure would benefit all parties.”