Friday's transfer gossip is doing what Friday's transfer gossip does best, throwing a load of names at the wall and seeing what sticks. But buried in all the noise this week is something that United fans will genuinely want to sit up for, because the word is that Real Madrid are open to selling Aurelien Tchouameni. Yes, that Tchouameni. The France international who looked like he was going nowhere fast from the Bernabeu is apparently available, and Manchester United are being mentioned as a serious destination. For a side that has been crying out for a proper defensive midfielder who can actually hold a position without wandering off like a lost tourist, this one makes a lot of sense on paper.
Over at Arsenal, the rumour mill is linking them with both John Stones and Ezri Konsa at centre back. Stones has had an injury-hit couple of seasons at City and it would be a bold move from Arsenal to go after him, but the Konsa interest makes real sense. He has been one of Villa's most consistent performers and would slot into an Arsenal back line that already knows how to keep things tight. Whether they need both is another question entirely.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are apparently the frontrunners for Kerim Alajbegovic, a Swedish goalkeeper who plays for Malmo. Chelsea do love a goalkeeper signing, it has practically become a hobby at this point, so nobody will be shocked to see them in the mix there.
Elsewhere, Yan Diomande of Norce is back on the radar of Premier League clubs after a strong run of form, and the player looks like the kind of energetic midfield option that a few sides in the top flight would fancy. And rounding things off, Daizen Maeda looks set to join Ipswich Town, which feels like a solid bit of business for a club that needs experience and work rate as they try to stay competitive.
All in all, a busy Friday in the world of football gossip with some stories that actually have legs. Let me know your thoughts.