Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Benzema wages cause stumbling block for loan, Toney issues ‘come and get me’ plea but Brentford remain firm, Onana latest

Toney over Benzema?

Darren Bent would rather Arsenal signed Ivan Toney than Karim Benzema this month.

The Gunners are one of the top Premier League clubs looking for a new No.9 to lead the line and have been linked with an interest in the Brentford star, but Benzema is now on the market as he looks to get out of Saudi Arabia.

The former Ballon d'Or winner and Real Madrid would reportedly cost any interested club £38.9million in loan fees and wages just until the end of the season.

But Bent says Toney, who is rated at around £100m by Brentford, would be a better buy.

“It depends as a club if you’re going short-term or long-term," said the Drivetime host.

“Would Benzema be a gamble? Not really, because he's one of the best strikers we’ve ever seen - and that’s fact.

“But if you’re looking long-term, and with Arsenal’s model of signing younger players, I know Toney isn’t that young, but you could have Toney for the next four or five years.

“If you get Benzema until the end of the season, you’ve got the same problem again in the summer, and Toney might be gone by then, Chelsea might have got him.

“I’d probably go long-term with Toney, but whoever gets Benzema now until the end of the season, wow, he’s going to be incredible.

“It just depends on what he’s got left, what juice he’s got, because he’s been in Saudi with his feet up you don’t know how competitive he still is."

Asked if Toney is the second-best striker in the Premier League behind Erling Haaland, Bent then had a bold shout: “My No.2 is the flip of a coin, but personally I think Alexander Isak is just class. 

“He would probably be second, then Toney.”

Angling for Ander

Arsenal and Tottenham are interested in signing Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrentxea, according to The Sun.

The 22-year-old was scouted by the North London rivals late last year and they could both make a move.

Mikel Arteta is said to see Barrentxea as a top target and the Gunners boss has a strong relationship with Sociedad after playing there in 2004/05.

Arsenal want the forward to provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli and may look to bring him in this month.

'Why would you spend £60million on Havertz?'

Graeme Souness has questioned why Arsenal signed Kai Havertz at the start of the season when they already had Emile Smith-Rowe.

Havertz, who signed for £67 million last June, has failed to impress in his first six months at the Gunners.

The German has scored five goals in 29 appearances so far this season for Mikel Arteta's side.

Souness was speaking on 'Simon and Souness', and believes academy prospect Smith-Rowe should be starting over Havertz.

He said: "I like Smith-Rowe. He runs into the box, he's a goal threat. But then why would you spend £60 million on Havertz?

"I know that you have to strengthen your weakest positions, but it is clear that Arsenal needed a striker.

"So why do you go and get Havertz from Chelsea? When, really, you have a homegrown player that is every bit as good as him.

"That £60 million should have been spent on a striker. And that may well cost them."

Benzema blow

Arsenal have been linked with a spectacular move for Karim Benzema, however, his lawyer has now quashed reports of him being unhappy.

Hugues Vigier, who represents Benzema, has dismissed the Al-Itthad striker's struggles and hinted at a return to Lyon rather than a move to the Gunners.

Vigier told RMC: "When you are used to a certain level and your results are a little less good at a given moment, people immediately say that it is the end of your career.

"I have to say that I would be quite happy to see him come back to play in Lyon, I would like it... but he hasn't told me that yet!"

He continued: "He has experienced ups and downs in his career, perhaps this period is less prosperous, and he has also been injured.

"He left for a few days, he was held back from returning to Saudi Arabia by the cyclone. He then returned to Saudi Arabia.

"We saw him rise from the ashes. If you remember, he didn't play much when he arrived at Real Madrid, then he became this absolutely essential player.

"And he has worse moments and better moments, it’s like that for all athletes."

In defence of Toney

Ivan Toney will not have pleased Brentford fans with his recent interview where he talked up leaving the club.

Many felt his brazen admission that he wanted to join a 'top side', amid interest from Arsenal, was disrespectful towards the Bees who have stuck without him throughout his betting ban.

But Simon Jordan didn't see anything wrong with what he said.

“Of course he has an interest in moving away, I don’t think there’s anything particularly bad about what he said, he wants to play for a top club - that’s the ambition of all top players," said the White and Jordan host on talkSPORT.

“He will only be sold if Brentford allow him to be sold, so he knows his position and he knows Brentford want to cash in on him.

“The thing about buying Ivan Toney is you’d be buying him for footballing reasons, not financial reasons, because buying a 28-year-old at his stage for between £60m and £80m will not be an economically valuable decision because the resale value will be less.

“But he will give you footballing outcomes.

“Brentford will be realists in this situation, they know Toney will leave, so there’s no point arguing about it, the decision has already been made, it’s just about how much they get for him.”

Youngster recalled

Arsenal have recalled young striker Mika Biereth from Motherwell.

The 20-year-old scored six goals and provided five assists in only 14 league games in Scotland but his deal has been cut short.

It has come as a surprise to Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell who said: "It’s a major, major disappointment. This was a little bit unexpected.

"They believe there’s an opportunity to send him to another club that takes him that step beyond where we are just now."

Reports claim that Biereth is set to head back out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.

Toney shut down

Despite Ivan Toney essentially telling Arsenal to stump up some cash and sign him this month, talkSPORT understands Brentford's view remains unchanged.

The Bees have no desire to sell the striker, who has just returned from a lengthy ban for illegally betting on football.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the England international revealed his desire to play for a 'top club' and also indicated he would be willing to move on whenever.

However, Brentford see him as a key player in their bid to stay in the Premier League, so unless they get a crazy offer, he will have to wait until the summer.

Benzema declining

Karim Benzema won the Ballon d'Or in 2022 after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League.

He was arguably in the form of his life, but since then, he's moved to Saudi Arabia and hasn't exactly set the world on fire.

He's still averaging nearly a goal contribution per game but you do expect more from Benzema in a lesser league.

So should Arsenal bring him in on loan, you would hope he can still reach the levels required to be successful in the Premier League.

Arsenal and Tottenham battling for electric winger

Arsenal are set to face firm competition from rivals Tottenham for Ander Barrenetxea.

The Sun report the Gunners and Spurs are huge admirers of the Real Sociedad star, and they've both scouted him this season.

The 22-year-old is seen as the perfect player to compete with Gabriel Martinelli on the left, but he can play on either wing.

In 22 appearances this season in all competitions, he's scored four goals and provided two assists.

But he played a key ole in Sociedad making it through their Champions League group, terrorising defenders.

So this could turn into a spicy battle.

Arsenal linked with sensational Benzema swoop

Karim Benzema is reportedly already unhappy in Saudi Arabia and is eyeing a January move back to Europe from Al-Ittihad.

The Frenchman and multiple Champions League winner was once heavily linked with a move to Arsenal before moving from Lyon to Real Madrid, and TEAMtalk claim the Gunners are lining up an incredible loan move.

The London giants are constrained by Financial Fair Play in this window but recognise they need a striker if they are to launch a successful title challenge, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah not getting enough goals.

And despite being 36, there aren't too many better forwards around than Benzema.

If this were to happen, it would be an incredible loan deal for Arsenal and is one to keep an eye on as we approach the end of the window.

Cedric set for exit

Forgotten Arsenal player Cedric Soares is close to sealing a move away from the club, talkSPORT understands.

The 32-year-old Portuguese defender spent the second-half of last season on loan at Fulham and is not in Mikel Arteta's plans in north London.

Soares - formerly of Southampton - has not made an appearance in the Premier League this season, with his only two senior games coming in the Carabao Cup and their Champions League dead-rubber at the end of the group stage.

But he is now set to move to Turkey to join Super Lig giants Besiktas, sources have told talkSPORT.

Talks are at an advanced stage between the clubs, with the defender set to end his four-year stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Soares has made 61 appearances for Arsenal, contributing two goals and five assists.

More on Toney

talkSPORT understands that Brentford would demand at least £80million to even entertain the idea of parting ways with Ivan Toney.

This comes after a bombshell interview with Sky Sports, in which Toney said: "You can never predict when is the right time to move elsewhere.

"But I think it's obvious I would like to play for a top club - everybody wants to play for top clubs that are fighting for titles.

"Whether it's this January that is the right time for a club to come in and pay the right money, who knows?

"But my main focus is doing what I do on the pitch, and let the background work take care of itself."

'It's obvious'

Ivan Toney has sent the clearest message yet that he wants to leave Brentford.

The striker has long been linked with a move to Arsenal, with the Gunners big fans of the striker.

And with his ban for illegal betting on football matches over, he's been speaking about his future.

In his chat with Sky Sports, Toney clearly reveals he doesn't want to be at Brentford for too much longer.

He said: "You can never predict when is the right time to move clubs.

"It's obvious I would like to play for a top club."

EFL club eye Arsenal youngster

Sheffield Wednesday are looking to sign Arsenal youth player Mika Biereth at some point this month.

Alex Miller of The Sheffield Star reports the Owls are keen on bringing the striker to Hillsborough for the second half of the season.

The 20-year-old is a Danish Under-21 international and is currently on loan with Motherwell.

After only playing one of the opening eight SPFL games, Biereth has been regularly contributing to goals.

In just 14 league appearances, he has six goals and five assists and is highly rated within Arsenal.

Zirkee competition

In Arsenal's pursuit for a new contract, they've looked at Bologna forward Joshua Zirkee.

However, Florian Plettenberg from Sky Germany reports the Gunners could face competition from Manchester United.

The Red Devils are looking for another striker to replace Anthony Martial and provide support to Rasmus Hojlund and the former Bayern Munich man is a target.

However, if either Arsenal or Man United are to sign the striker, they will need to pay around £50million.

He has a release clause for this window, but that only applies to Bayern.

Simons the one

Xavi Simons has been linked with a move to Arsenal, and you can see why Mikel Arteta would want him.

The Dutch international is both adept at creating and finishing chances, proving to be an excellent player for RB Leipzig this year.

The 20-year-old is predominantly a right winger, so would provide excellent competition for Bukayo Saka.

However, he can play in an attacking midfield role or on the left, and that sort of versatility is something Arteta craves.

On top of this, he has been playing in the Champions League this year after a stint in the Europa League during the 2022/23 campaign.

So, he ticks a lot of boxes.

Arsenal join race for exciting Bundesliga star

Arsenal are set to compete with Bayern Munich and Barcelona for Xavi Simons' signature.

Bild report the Gunners are well in the race for the Dutchman, who played against Mikel Arteta's men twice in the Europa League last year while on loan at PSV Eindhoven.

He impressed while in the Netherlands and RB Leipzig have got him on loan for the season.

But he is PSG's player and someone they are likely to give plenty of game time next season.

However, should the French giants decide to part ways with the Dutch international, the Gunners would be one of the main competitors for his signature.

Elneny moving on

Mohamed Elneny's long stint at Arsenal might come to an end this month.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the Egyptian international is being targeted by Besiktas and a few Saudi clubs.

The defensive midfielder has been injured for a large part of this campaign and has only made four first-team appearances.

He's a player who Mikel Arteta likes, but the club would be willing to let him leave because he's on the fringes of the first team.

And he could form a double departure with Cedric Soares also potentially joining Besiktas.

Toney's ban over

Ivan Toney's long ban from football is officially over.

The striker was suspended from all football after being found guilty of illegal betting on matches before he joined Brentford.

But the Arsenal target is now back and can play in the Bees' upcoming game against Nottingham Forest.

Thomas Frank is determined for the England international to remain in west London this month.

The Gunners have been heavily linked and could do with a new striker this month.

However, Financial Fair Play restrictions and Brentford's extortionate asking price are proving prohibitive.

But with his ban now over, it would be fascinating to see if Arsenal make a move with their goalscoring issues clear.

Cedric departure accelerating

Arsenal defender Cedric Soares is emerging as a serious target for Besiktas in this month's window.

The Daily Mail report that talks between the two club are underway, with the right-back surplus to requirements.

The former Portuguese international is into the last six months of his contract at the Emirates.

However, Cedric could end up joining the Turkish giants for free at the end of the season or join Besiktas on loan and complete a permanent move at the end of the season.

But either way, his time in north London looks to be up.

More on Olise

talkSPORT reported earlier today that Arsenal are among the clubs keeping tabs on Michael Olise's situation at Crystal Palace.

The Gunners, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all been alerted to a release clause in Olise’s freshly signed new contract, believed to be well in excess of £50million.

You can read more on the latest transfer news below...

See ya, Cedric

Arsenal are open to selling Cedric Soares this month ahead of his contract expiring, according to football.london.

The right-back's deal is set to run out at the end of the season and the Gunners want to cash in before he leaves on a free.

Record report that he is attracting interest from Besiktas while 'several approaches' have been made by other clubs.

Cedric's former Portugal boss Fernando Santos is the manager of the Turkish side and that has led to contact between the two clubs increasing.

Frank on Toney return

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is hopeful that striker Ivan Toney will return from his ban in good condition.

Toney hasn't played a game this season as he served his suspension on the sidelines for breaking betting rules.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with the front man, however, Frank has played down a possible exit and is focusing on his comeback.

He said: “I hope we prepared him that well that he’ll hit the ground running. He’s been training and is fit and ready to go.

"I’m not saying it can’t take a little time to hit the max, but I’m pretty sure he’ll come in on a high level.”

Eagle has not landed

Arsenal are among the clubs keeping tabs on Michael Olise's situation, talkSPORT understands.

Manchester United were believed to be front-runners but their hopes of a free run at a summer move for the Crystal Palace star are set to be scuppered by interest from some big-name rivals.

Incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has put England international Olise at the top of his shopping list and talkSPORT revealed on Monday that United would be open to offering former Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka in part exchange.

However, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City have also been alerted to a release clause in Olise’s freshly signed new contract, believed to be well in excess of £50million.

Kai before you buy

Speaking to Simon Jordan for talkSPORT, former Liverpool star Souness was left gobsmacked by Arsenal’s decision to sign Havertz when the money was needed elsewhere.

He said: “Smith Rowe? I like him. As a midfield player running into the box, clever passes, everything seems to be done when he is sprinting which I like. Goal threat.

“Then you go spend £60million, Arteta. So the point I want to make is that £60m, I think is a fair criticism, you’ve spent…

“You know what I am on about, building a football team, you try to strengthen the weakest part of your team.

“I think for most people, Arsenal needed another striker with [Gabriel] Jesus.

“So you go and take Kai Havertz from Chelsea for big money when really you’ve got a homegrown player that is every bit as good as him.

“So that £60m should have been maybe directed towards a striker and that might cost them, a different kind of striker.

“We were talking about [Ivan] Toney. When you are buying a player, you are trying to eliminate the problem. Why would he not be successful here.

“So if he is a foreigner, will he deal with a different culture, will his family deal with that, will he pick up the language quick enough, will be able to deal with the intensity of the English game?

“So you try and take out one of them.”