Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Bees eye Ivan Toney replacement, Kyle Walker-Peters linked, Martin Zubimendi update

Bee sting

With Ivan Toney expected to leave some time in the near future, Brentford have already begun making moves to replace him.

According to reports in France, the Bees tabled a £15.3million [€18m] offer for Toulouse striker Thijs Dallinga earlier in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old Dutch striker has has ten goals and two assists in 25 appearances in all competitions this season and has attracted the attention of the Premier League side.

French outlet L'Equipe have reported that bid was rejected by Toulouse and their president, former Liverpool and Tottenham director of football Damien Comolli.

It is claimed a £17m [€20m] offer from an unnamed club was also rejected in the summer, with the Ligue 1 side valuing Dallinga at closer to €35m or €40m - between around £30m and £35m.

But with Toney likely to fetch between £80m to £100m, Brentford will have some money to spend in their search for a replacement.

Benz to stay

Arsenal have suffered a blow in their hunt to bolster their strikeforce with Karim Benzema to stay put.

The Frenchman had been linked with a departure at Al Ittihad after turning up 17 days late and had been earmarked for an early return to Europe.

Chelsea have been heavily reported to be interested in the former Real Madrid star but Arsenal have long been linked with the striker.

But Benzema will not be leaving Saudi Arabia anytime soon, according to L'Equipe.

Lineker on Osimhen

Former England international Gary Lineker has told Victor Osimhen to sign for Arsenal this summer.

The Napoli star looks set to leave the club this year and has been linked with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

But Arsenal could also make a move for the Nigerian striker, with Lineker advising him to do so.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the former England striker said: "I think I’d look at it and I’d go, at the moment, Arsenal.

"Obviously, we’re talking about everyone offering the same thing, that’s what you want, blah blah blah in your contract.

"I mean, to be honest, they earn so much now that you can just choose where you want to go. I would say, Arsenal are probably a centre-forward away from winning things.

"Chelsea are a centre-forward away from becoming competitive again. Manchester United are a centre-forward away from improving, but they’ve still got a long way to go.

"If I were him, you want to go somewhere where you think you’re going to win things."

Smith Go

Emile Smith Rowe could be on his way to RB Leipzig this January after being sidelined by Mikel Arteta.

The Arsenal star has had to largely sit on the bench this season and a Bundesliga exit is now on the cards.

According to The Sun, Leipzig have offered a loan with an option to buy for the attacking midfielder.

Smith Rowe played for the German side in 2019 on loan but managed just three appearances.

Going nowhere

Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior's agent has rubbished reports that his client is keen on leaving this month.

AC Milan had been heavily linked with the defender, who is largely used in a bit-part role under Mikel Arteta.

But his agent has revealed that the Poland international wants to stay and fight for his spot at the Emirates.

“Kuba is an Arsenal player, he has a valid contract and, according to all our information, he is a ‘player for years’. 99% of the time he stays in London,” he told TVP Sport.

“We have specific inquiries about Kuba from many clubs, but everything is decided by Arsenal and their position is clear. Kuba stays at Arsenal.

“If you are in one of the best clubs in the world, you have to fight for yourself. Kuba is getting more and more minutes. Being his age, after such a big transfer and jump-up, everything looks fine in every respect.

“Kuba is an ambitious player, he wants to play more and more and we all hope that this will happen in the near future.

“The club’s position has not changed in any way since May. Kuba is still an important part of the team. I don’t think that will change.

"Kuba came to Arsenal for a reason, they were the most specific and decisive. They spent a lot of money and maybe they see a lot more than all of us.”

Partey's over

Barcelona are among the clubs interested in signing Thomas Partey in what would be a shock swoop.

Partey has had an injury-ravaged campaign so far this season and there have been rumours Mikel Arteta could let him go at the end of the season.

According to Spanish publication AS, Barcelona have been monitoring the midfielder's situation for an extended period.

And they have now decided that they are ready to ramp up their interest in the former Atletico Madrid star.

However, any attempt to sign the Ghana international will rely on whether he can prove his fitness between now and the end of the season.

Red alert

Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed that Victor Osimhen is set to leave the club this summer.

The Nigerian striker is one of the most sought-after stars in world football right now after guiding the Naples-based side to their first Serie A title in 30 years last term.

In that campaign, Osimhen scored 31 goals for Napoli, a tally that he’s followed up with eight in 18 appearances this term.

Having signed a new contract last month, the striker’s deal is said to include a release clause that’s worth £112million, paving the way for a potential summer exit.

Speaking of Osimhen’s future, the Napoli president said: “This [Osimhen’s exit] was already known since this summer, our negotiations [over the new contract] were friendly, otherwise it would not have been so long.”

De Laurentiis then added: “We knew he would go to Real Madrid, PSG or a top English club.”

The 25-year-old has rarely been out of the headlines in recent months with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United among the Premier League clubs linked with a move for him.

Osimhen also hinted at what the future might hold in an interview last week.

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

“The 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.”

Soar note

Galatasaray are reportedly interested in signing Cedric Soares this month.

football.london claims that the Turkish champions have emerged as contenders for the 32-year-old's signature.

The report adds that Besiktas have also been in talks with Arsenal over Cedric, but now Galatasaray have thrown their hat in the ring as they may lose former Gunners target Sacha Boey this window.

‘Some things are out of our control’

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has addressed Callum Wilson’s future amid speculation linking him with Arsenal.

Howe said: "It's been a strange one. A lot of speculation and a lot of it unfounded.

"From our side, he's a huge part of what we do. We're desperate to get our two strikers fit again. There's no part of me that wants to lose him.

"In every conversation, he's 100 per cent committed. No part of him is looking elsewhere.

"He's got big ambitions and we want to keep him here. But some things are out of our control.

"The club is acting with the long-term interests of the club and they have to. Let's see what happens."

Toney race heats up

Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to sign Arsenal target Ivan Toney this summer.

Arsenal and Chelsea are both keen to land the Brentford striker at the end of the season with the 27-year-old expected to stay put this month.

The Athletic claim United are now closely monitoring Toney's situation too and could make a big-money move in the summer.

Lineker backs Osimhen for Arsenal

Gary Lineker has backed in-demand Napoli star Victor Osimhen to join Arsenal this summer if he does move to the Premier League.

Asked who he would join in England if he was Osimhen, Lineker told the Rest is Football podcast: "I think I’d look at it and I’d go, at the moment, Arsenal.

“I would say, Arsenal are probably a centre-forward away from winning things.

“Chelsea are a centre-forward away from becoming competitive again. Manchester United are a centre-forward away from improving, but they’ve still got a long way to go.

“If I were him, you want to go somewhere where you think you’re going to win things.”

Klopp leaving Liverpool

Huge news has just broken from Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Liverpool that Jurgen Klopp is leaving the club at the end of the season.

The Reds have confirmed the shock news today with the German saying he is ‘running out of energy’ and has decided to step down.

Klopp said: “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.

“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.

“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”

You can read more details here.

Rowe your boat

RB Leipzig are reportedly keen on a loan deal to bring Arsenal's versatile midfielder Emile Smith Rowe back to the club.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of the 2018/19 season on loan at Leipzig, with injuries limiting him to just three Bundesliga appearances.

And having fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta, The Sun have stated that the Germans are keeping tabs on his situation and are eyeing another loan with a view to a permanent switch.

However, it appears unlikely he will be leaving the Emirates this month, as talkSPORT previously reported he wanted to fight for his place at Arsenal having decided against a loan move to West Ham. Arteta also remains a huge fan of the player.

Wilson alert

Arsenal have reportedly been alerted to the possibility of signing Newcastle striker Callum Wilson on the cheap this month.

Newcastle need to raise funds to balance their books and stay in line with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. 

As such, the London Evening Standard report that England ace Wilson could be sold for as little as £18million before the January transfer window shuts.

It is said Arsenal have been told about his availability while Chelsea and Manchester United have also be contacted regarding the 31-year-old.

Wilson has scored 46 goals in 102 games for Newcastle.

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."