Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Dewsbury-Hall eyed, Zubimendi update, Arteta calls Barcelona links ‘fake news’

Academy blow

Arsenal could be set to lose teenage starlet Amario Cozier-Duberry this summer, according to the Evening Standard.

The 18-year-old is set to run out of contract at the Gunners at the end of the season and an agreement over a new deal is yet to be reached.

Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax are all said to be looking at signing Cozier-Duberry once he becomes a free agent.

Losing the winger would be a blow as he has been compared to Bukayo Saka by U18s manager Jack Wilshere.

Wilshere said: "He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, plays in the same position as him, needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he’s definitely exciting.

"In some moments he’s unplayable. You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you’ve got individuals like that you’ve got a chance."

Cedric close to exit

Galatasaray are in talks to sign Cedric Soares from Arsenal before the deadline, according to the Independent.

The Gunners defender is out of contract in the summer but the club are keen to receive some money for his exit.

And the Turkish side are willing to pay for Cedric as their manager, Fernando Santos, looks to link up with his former Portugal right-back.

The transfer window in Turkey closes on February 8, giving them an extended time to get the deal done.

‘We are really thin’

Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal have the most stretched squad in the Premier League.

But the Gunners are unable to add to their ranks before January transfer window shuts.

He said: “We have one of the thinnest squads in the league, that's for sure.

“And when you talk about the numbers, especially in certain areas, we are really thin.

“It wasn't possible [to do any January deals]. And now we didn't have the capacity to improve the team in the way that we think we want to improve it.

“So we decided not to do something yet.”

‘Something special’

Mikel Arteta has hailed Jurgen Klopp following his upcoming departure from Liverpool and the Premier League.

The Arsenal boss said: “I think he’s made this league much better.

“First of all the person, the character, the charisma, the way of transmitting his ideas and passion for the game is something special.

“He’s had a big contribution for the growth of this league and I love the way he did it. The emotion that he put in and when you see the human side explaining the reasons behind it and the challenges and everything that is related to our job, I think it was spot on.

“When someone has done what he’s done for that football club in the league you have to respect that and basically say thank you because I think he made the league better, every manager better and this league much more beautiful and intense.”

Rice and easy

Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Arsenal star Declan Rice will be ready to face Nottingham Forest tonight.

Rice is nursing a slight hamstring injury having had to come off early in the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out.

Ahead of their trip to The City Ground, Arteta said: “He is one of the players [in the squad], yes.

“He’s done some work but has missed some work as well. Hopefully he’s going to be okay.”

More from Arteta 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also asked yesterday if he could ever see himself managing another Premier League club.

He said: “Today, no, but I don’t know. 

“I played for two great clubs in this country, I moved around in different things, I’m extremely young and I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Asked if he has had any contract discussions with Arsenal’s board, Arteta added: “No, we haven’t.

“But this is something that would happen naturally when it has to happen, if it has to happen, and that’s it.”

Here to stay

Mikel Arteta insists he’s in the ‘right place’ at Arsenal and has been left upset by rumours he is set to quit for Barcelona.

"I am in the right place. I am with the right people," he said. "I feel really good about it. 

“And, as I said many times, I am invested in a beautiful journey with this football club, with these players, these staff, our people.

"There is still a lot to do here. We all share that ambition and you can feel it as well, that we want more, that we aren't satisfied and that the club wants to take another push and another level in everything we are doing.

"This is where we are. We need everyone on board to achieve it and I am certainly on board."

On the speculation linking him with a move to Spain, Arteta added: “That's totally fake news.

"What you read yesterday is... I don't know where it is coming from and it is totally untrue. I am really upset about it.

"I could not believe it. I don't know where it is coming from and it has no source. It has got nothing and I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things, to put it in the way it was put yesterday.

"I understand we are in this industry but I don't think anyone deserves to hear news like that and I have always been really straight and always said the complete opposite; how happy I am, how grateful I am and how much I enjoy where I am now. That is why I am upset."

More from Arteta

On whether he has had any contract discussions with Arsenal: "No, we haven’t, but this is something that would happen naturally when it has to happen, if it has to happen, and that’s it."

Arteta was also asked whether he was angry at the report about a Barcelona move for himself or for the Arsenal fans.

He added: "Well, one is the consequence of the other. First of all, because I’m really cautious of when I talk publicly about my personal things, and when someone puts out a statement about what I said or did, it is upsetting. I understand that we are in this industry, and the second one is that no-one deserves to hear that in news like that.

"I’ve always been really straight, and I will say completely the opposite [to that] of how happy and grateful I am, and how much I enjoy where I am right now, so that’s the reason why I’m upset."

Fake news

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has strongly denied reports linking him to the Barcelona job.

Spanish media have linked him to the job at the Catalan giants, with Xavi leaving at the end of the season.

In response, Arteta said: "No. That’s totally fake news. What I read yesterday I don’t know where it’s coming from. I’m really upset about it.

"I could not believe it. I don’t know where it’s coming from. I think we have to be very careful when you talk about personal things especially.

"I’m in the right place."

Hall to play

talkSPORT's Ally McCoist has been discussing the future of Arsenal target Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Jeff Stelling told talkSPORT Breakfast: “A lot of talk at the moment isn’t there about Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, maybe leaving Leicester City.”

McCoist replied: “That’s a strange one. Why would Leicester let Dewsbury-Hall go?”

Stelling: “I honestly don’t know, but Brighton are amongst those who are very, very, very interested.

“And you would be because he’s a really top player. 25 years of age, just approaching his peak, he would be a great buy for someone.”

McCoist: “Absolutely, and I totally agree with that, but if you’re Leicester, there’s absolutely no way you’re selling him at this point.”

Sergi Robert-oh

Barcelona are reportedly set to release Arsenal target Sergi Roberto.

Spanish outlet AS claim that the defender's Barca contract runs out on June 30 but he was set to see it extended under Xavi's leadership.

Now, that Xavi has announced he will leave the Camp Nou at the end of the season, Roberto has been deemed surplus to requirements.

Nou way home

European football expert Andy Brassell said that Mikel Arteta would not be human if he had not considered a move to Barcelona.

Brassell told talkSPORT: “He would not be human if, especially with what's happened with Jurgen Klopp, he didn't have a little look around and think ‘well actually this has been really intense at Arsenal’. The pace of change that he has authored at Arsenal has been extraordinary.

“He's done a brilliant job and it must have taken a lot out of him. So I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of coaches in the Premier League aren't thinking, well what am I going to do next? You know, how long do I want to be in this?

“It doesn't say Arteta is definitely going to leave, and it definitely doesn't say that he's gone to the club and said I'm leaving, but it's just saying that him and his inner circle are considering the possibility, which is slightly different.”

Arteta to stay

Arsenal do not fear losing Mikel Arteta this summer despite links with Barcelona, talkSPORT understands.

It was reported in Spanish media on Sunday that Arteta could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium in the summer with the Barcelona job set to become vacant.

Meanwhile, it was also suggested that the Spaniard had had a conversation with the powers that be at Arsenal over a departure.

But talkSPORT understands that everyone involved is relaxed about the situation with Arteta contracted at the north London club until 2025.

Gunners make our move...eventually

Arsenal have reportedly taken the first steps in their plan to sign Dutch sensation Joshua Zirkzee.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport claim the Gunners have informed Bologna of their intent to sign the striker - but not until the summer transfer window.

The article adds that the Emirates outfit are prepared to pay more than £34 million to sign the 22-year-old.

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.”