Arsenal transfer news LIVE:  £18m Callum Wilson alert, Kyle Walker-Peters linked, Martin Zubimendi update, Ivan Toney to stay at Brentford

Where there's a Wil

Darren Bent says he is surprised that Arsenal aren't tempted by a move for Callum Wilson this month.

The Newcastle man is in the final 18 months of his contract and could be available for between £18million and £20million in the final days of the transfer window.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Bent said: "For £20million you’d think a lot of people would be in for him, right?”"

Asked if he’d have him at Arsenal, Bent added: “For £20million? 100 per cent.

"If he’s fully, yeah (he would start), because he scores more goals than the other two. That’s just a fact.”

Cold Palmer

Darren Bent has been left stunned after Chelsea star Cole Palmer was compared to a key member of Arsenal's legendary Invincibles side.

The ex-Tottenham striker - a known Gunners fan - couldn't believe what he was hearing after the attacking midfielder was likened to Dennis Bergkamp by a caller.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Chelsea fan Nick said: "Cole Palmer is just one of those players that comes along - forget that I'm a Chelsea fan - I'm an England fan too.

"He's just one of those special players that comes along not very often, and I hate to use hyperbole, but I just think… Dennis Bergkamp."

Without even giving the caller a chance to give his reasoning, Bent interjected: "Yeah, you went too far. You ruined it. You ruined the call!

"The call sounded incredible until you said that!"

Havertz signing cost Arsenal

Earlier today, talkSPORT host Gabby Agbonlahor blamed Mikel Arteta for costing Arsenal the Premier League title this season.

In a discussion about who the top-flight title race is between, Agbonlahor ruled the Gunners due to the signing of Kai Havertz.

You can read the full story below...

Partey returns

Thomas Partey is back in training for Arsenal after missing three months of action due to a thigh injury.

The Gunners midfielder has been absent for 11 Premier League games but is now closing in on a return.

Partey's future has been questioned this month with Juventus and Saudi Arabia clubs interested in signing him.

However, he looks set to stay at the Emirates and play a key part in Mikel Arteta's squad for the remainder of the season.

Sales needed for Onana move

Financial Fair Play rules seem to be what is preventing Arsenal from making a move for Amadou Onana this month.

The Gunners are concerned that spending £50million on the Belgian would see them breach FFP regulations.

Therefore, they would need to sell first before approaching Everton for Onana and reports claim sales are being considered.

If Mikel Arteta decides to get rid of one or two of his players late in the window, that could open up a chance to swoop.

Zirkzee update

Arsenal and Manchester United have both been linked to Joshua Zirkzee during this transfer window.

Neither side have made an approach though, with a move in the summer seeming more likely.

There have also been reports claiming that the Bologna striker has a release clause of £34million.

Ben Jacobs has given an update on the situation, writing: “Arsenal and Man United are both tracking the Dutch forward with a view to the summer.

“There remains some confusion over Zirkzee’s summer release clause, but Bologna director Marco Di Vaio insists it is ‘only valid for Bayern.’

Garlick gets promotion

Arsenal have announced that Director of Football Operations, Richard Garlick, will become the club's Managing Director in the summer.

Garlick will step into the role when Chief Executive Officer, Vinai Venkatesham, leaves the Gunners.

Speaking about his appointment, he said: “Since joining Arsenal in 2021, I’ve had the privilege to be involved with almost every aspect of this incredible club. 

"I’m excited to take us forward in my new role as we move into the next phase of delivering the vision of our owners, Stan and Josh. 

“I’d like to thank the Board for the support they’ve given me, and Edu for his support as I pursued this opportunity.  I’d also like to thank Vinai for his leadership and contribution to the club over the last 14 years.

“I look forward to continuing to work with them all as I transition into this new role and drive the club forward.” 

'Arteta has cost Arsenal the title'

talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor has accused Mikel Arteta of costing Arsenal the title by signing Kai Havertz.

Speaking on Breakfast this morning, Agbonlahor said: "The biggest thing that Arsenal fans are still annoyed with, and Arteta will regret, is spending a lot of his transfer budget on Havertz.

"For me, he wasn't the answer. £65million that they could have had available now for a striker and for Toney.

"That's going to cost them. They have Vieira and Smith Rowe who are probably better than Havertz in the same position.

"Arteta has cost Arsenal the title by spending money very stupidly."

Zubimendi latest

Arsenal's pursuit of Martin Zubimendi is only just beginning.

The Real Sociedad midfielder is a target for Mikel Arteta but a January move looks to be complicated.

And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the situation between the player and the Gunners.

He said: “Zubimendi is a player that is really appreciated, for sure.

"But I would also include Bayern Munich in the shortlist of clubs interested in Zubimendi for the summer transfer window.

"In January it is really complicated because of the cost of the deal, which is around £52m, the value of the release clause for Zubimendi.

"But it is also complicated on a personal point of view for Zubimendi because he’s a big Real Sociedad fan, not just a fantastic player.

"He wants to keep going with the club, especially with this big opportunity to play in the round of 16 of the Champions League.”

KWP links

Arsenal are said to have an eye on signing Kyle Walker-Peters late in the January window.

The Gunners have Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares as right-back options, however, the latter two's future has been questioned.

And Southampton's Walker-Peters has emerged as a potential target.

It could be a hard deal to pull off though with Sainst manager Russell Martin sending a warning to interested clubs.

Martin said: “I spoke to Kyle. I also know his agent really well. There’s been no conversation at all about him wanting to leave.

“He’s in such a good place. I think he’s enjoying himself. It would take a lot of money to prise him away.”

Kiwior stays

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has quashed reports that he is set to leave the club this month.

Kiwior has been linked to a return to the Serie A with AC Milan, however, he has denied that any talks have taken place.

Speaking to Super Express, he said: "It’s definitely nice and I’m glad there’s interest in me.

"But I focus on what is now. Besides, there have been no talks with me yet."

The Polish international's agent Pawel Zimoczyk also commented on the links to Milan.

He said: "Kuba is an Arsenal player. There are no signs that they want to get rid of him and I don’t think anything will happen in the winter window."

Cedric free to leave

Arsenal are allowing Cedric Soares to leave the club this month, according to football.london.

The defender's contract runs out this summer but the Gunners want to receive some cash for him rather than seeing him leave for free.

Cedric is attracting interest from Turkey but there has been no progress in any possible deals so far.

If a club is to make an acceptable offer for the right-back, Mikel Arteta won't stand in his way.

Trouble for Tierney?

Kieran Tierney hasn't had the best time on loan at Real Sociedad this season and it might be about to get worse.

The Spanish side have signed left-back Javi Galan on loan from Atletico Madrid.

It could see Tierney's game time limited even more and that will concern Arsenal who want to see him in action more often.

The Gunners will be keeping their eye on any developments in their defender's situation.

Tavares wants Marseille move

Nuno Tavares is keen on returning to Marseille on a permanent basis with the French side interested, according to RMC Sport.

The left-back spent last season in Ligue 1 but is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest this campaign.

Arsenal are reported to be open to selling Tavares and his former club are considering making an offer.

One issue though, would be that the Gunners don't have a recall option on his loan deal meaning Forest would have to agree to terminate it first.

No movement on Martin

Arsenal's move for Martin Zubimendi does not seem to be happening this month.

The Real Sociedad midfielder is reported to be a target for the Gunners as they look to bolster their midfield.

However, Marca report that Zubimendi has held no talks with the Premier League side.

He also played 90 minutes in the Spanish side's Copa del Rey clash last night, which isn't a good sign for Arsenal.

Onana hopes fading

Arsenal's hopes of signing Amadou Onana have dipped due to Everton's asking price of £50million.

Reports in Belgium claim that the Gunners won't be able to secure a deal for Onana this month due to concerns over Financial Fair Play.

The 22-year-old is a target for Mikel Arteta but he will likely be forced to wait until the summer to get his man.

Osimhen latest

Victor Osimhen revealed yesterday that he has already made his mind up over his Napoli future.

That will have sparked rumours over a move to the Premier League with Arsenal one of the teams linked.

Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a new striker and Osimhen could be a perfect option for the Gunners.

More on the Nigerian's comments can be read below...

Zirkzee battle

Arsenal are set to battle with Manchester United for the signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

That's according to the Sun who report that the Gunners are interested in the Dutchman who is starring in Serie A this season.

Man United are said to be favourites for Zirkzee's signature, however, they face competition from multiple teams.

Bayern have a buy-back clause in his Bologna deal while Tottenham and Ajax are also monitoring his situation.

Scouting Simons

Arsenal have sent scouts to watch RB Leipzig loanee Xavi Simons, according to reports.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to the Gunners since the summer and rumours continue to persist.

Mikel Arteta is keen on Simons and is said to have sent some scouts to watch the Dutchman in the Bundesliga.

New contract update

Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been in contract talks with Arsenal all month, however, things have gone quiet.

But Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the situation and whether negotiations are still ongoing.

Romano said: "It’s gone a bit quiet recently on new contracts for Arsenal defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, but it’s normal for these things to be quieter during the transfer window.

“Still, these new contracts will be discussed again in the coming weeks, talks will continue, and both players remain close to accepting new deals from Arsenal.”

Osimhen on future

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has given a hint on his future amid interest from Premier League clubs.

The Nigerian is a target for Chelsea while Manchester United and Arsenal have also both been linked.

Speaking to CBS, Osimhen said: “I have already made my decision on the next step to do at the end of the season.

“I already made up my mind. I already have my plan, I know what I want to do, the next step I want to take.

“I think 60% of the people mention the rumours about me linked with the Premier League.

“Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world.

“I want to finish the season with Napoli strong then come up with the decision I’ve already made.”

Toney set to stay

In case you missed it, talkSPORT understands Arsenal target Ivan Toney will be going nowhere this month.

The striker is expected to stay at Brentford for the rest of the season at least after being handed the captaincy by Bees manager Thomas Frank.

The Gunners remain keen on the 27-year-old and could move for him in the summer.

Tavares latest

Arsenal are looking to push through a deal that will see Nuno Tavares join Marseille permanently.

Tavares is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest and has made six appearances so far this season.

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal are now looking to end that loan and sell him to Marseille, where he spent last season.

But Forest are reluctant to let him leave and with no re-call clause in the loan deal, he looks set to stay put at the City Ground until the summer. 

Rice and easy

Arsenal have been handed an injury boost with reports Declan Rice is expected to be fit to face Nottingham Forest next week.

The England star was taken off early in Saturday’s 5-0 thumping of Crystal Palace and was seen mouthing the word ‘hammy’ has he went off.

That sparked fears he could be set for a lengthy spell out but the Daily Mail report Arsenal are ‘increasingly confident’ that he has avoided any damage.

Instead, it is said Rice is just suffering from some muscle tightness and is in line to feature against Forest next week.

Arsenal are out of the FA Cup already so have this weekend off which will allow more time for Rice to recover ahead of their trip to the City Ground.

Timber to return

Arsenal star Jurrien Timber is reportedly set to return to full training soon.

The Dutch defender suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the opening Premier League match of the season following his summer move from Ajax.

He has been making good progress, and the Daily Mail report that the full-back should be back with the first team squad by the end of February.