Transfer Gossip: Chelsea add Man Utd target and ex-Tottenham attacker to Joao Felix in spectacular triple raid; Arsenal move hijacked by surprise Prem side

Chelsea are gunning for two more impressive additions aside from Joao Felix in the coming days, while a midfielder perennially linked with Arsenal has been the subject of an £18m bid from a different Premier League side – both in Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip.

CHELSEA EYEING SPECTACULAR TRIPLE COUP

Todd Boehly will continue to splash the cash, with a Man Utd striker target and a former Tottenham attacker both lined up to follow Joao Felix into Stamford Bridge, per a report.

The Blues’ struggles in the final third have hampered their season at every turn thus far.

Chelsea are the lowest scorers (20) in the top half of the table by a whopping margin of seven. Clearly, if they’re to have any hope of finishing inside the top four, new firepower is required.

A verbal agreement to sign Joao Felix on a six-month loan from Atletico Madrid has been struck. Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein both confirmed the news on Monday, with the former subsequently tweeting a deal could be concluded in the next 24-48 hours.

Chelsea will pay around £9.68m as a loan fee and have also agreed to cover the entirety of Felix’s wages (an extra £5.3m). Romano previously reported an option to buy has not been discussed.

When breaking the news, the Athletic’s Ornstein was keen to point out “more reinforcements” are exected to follow Felix through the front door in short order.

The Blues have repeatedly been linked with hijacking Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk. However, given Felix was also wanted by Arsenal, it stands to reason they’ll now be doubly determined to land the Ukraine ace.

What’s more, Mudryk heavily favours a move to the Emirates anyway.

Instead, the Times put two different attackers in the frame to bolster Graham Potter’s ranks – Marcus Thuram and Noni Madueke.

Attacking overhaul underway

France international Thuram, 25, has been a revelation at Borussia Monchengladbach this season after finally being given a chance to play centrally.

Thuram has notched 13 goals in 17 for the Bundesliga outfit. However, his contract is due to expire at season’s end, meaning January is their final chance to cash in.

Thuram has also been linked to Man Utd who have their own striker needs to fill. Thuram’s contract status could reportedly see him move for as little as £8.5m, though even that reduced sum could prove too much for United.

Instead, they’re on Wout Weghorst’s trail, and Chelsea have now ‘stepped up’ their efforts to land Thuram.

A third arrival could come in the form of former Spurs star, Noni Madueke.

The 20-year-old was on Tottenham’s books between 2014-18, though left for PSV Eindhoven before ever debuting.

That proved an inspired switch with Madueke quickly breaking into the Dutch side’s first eleven. He bagged nine goals across all competitions in each of the last two campaigns from the right wing.

An ankle injury has limited his progress for much of the current campaign, though that may also mean he’s available for less than he otherwise might’ve been.

The Times report adds Potter, Boehly and co. are considering a move.

£18M BID LODGED FOR ARSENAL TARGET

Arsenal must act fact or risk losing out over long-time target Danilo after Nottingham Forest lodged an £18m bid, per a report.

Mudryk has hoovered up the vast bulk of Arsenal headlines this month, though it wasn’t so long ago a central midfield addition was regularly spoken about.

Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Palmeiras’ Danilo are two names often touted.

However, Tielemans is understood to have priced himself out of a move after leaving Edu flabbergasted with his salary demands. Danilo, meanwhile, could be heading to Nottingham Forest.

The Daily Telegraph report Steve Cooper’s side have lodged an £18m bid as they strive to beat the drop.

A dialogue with Palmeiras has been opened and it’s stressed Forest aren’t the only club exploring a deal.

The £18m fee quoted could be just the beginning with add-ons to take the deal’s total cost significantly higher.

It’s noted Arsenal’s interest in the 21-year-old holding midfielder had ‘cooled’ of late. However, if they have any lingering interest, the time to strike is now after Forest made their opening gambit.

ASTON VILLA, LEEDS UTD NEARING MAJOR DEALS

Finally, Leeds Utd and Aston Villa are on the cusp of completing their own additions, for a striker and left-sided star, respectively.

Jesse Marsch’s side are close to wrapping up a move for Hoffenheim centre-forward, Georginio Rutter.

The 20-year-old will cost ‘more than €30m’ (approx. £26.5m) according to Romano, and a medical will soon be scheduled.

Rutter has already agreed personal terms and barring late drama, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo will have expensive new competition.

Villa, meanwhile, have struck an agreement to sign Real Betis veteran, Alex Moreno.

Manager Unai Emery knows LaLiga well and has settled on the 29-year-old left-sided star who can play anywhere up and down the flank.

Moreno has primarily played at left-back this season and will reportedly cost in the region of €14m (approx. £12.4m).

Personal terms are agreed and a medical is due to take place at some stage this week, per Romano.