Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Toney back with a bang, Gunners rebuff West Ham approach for Smith Rowe, Benzema loan latest

Brentford can't afford to lose Toney

Brentford have been urged to keep hold of Ivan Toney, with Gabby Agbonlahor saying that he'll help them to avoid relegation.

The striker scored on his comeback against Nottingham Forest to help the club to a 3-2 win - their first win in six - a result that has seen them move away from the drop zone.

Speculation will continue around the 27-year-old's future amid interest from Arsenal, but speaking to talkSPORT, Agbonlahor says that he has to stay.

“It’s a bit too close for comfort," Agbonlahor said.

"100 per cent they’ll get £60million in the summer – I don’t think they’ll sell him for less than that in the summer.

“If you’re the Brentford owner you’re asking ‘what does it mean to stay in the Premier League?’ and ‘how much are we going to lose?’

“They’ve got to keep him.”

Cundy added: ““If they were 10th or 11th I think they might be prepared to listen to a few offers.

“It makes financial sense to keep him because they’re too close to the relegation zone."

He’s back

Ivan Toney has announced he is back in style by scoring a stunning free-kick just 19 minutes into his comeback.

The Arsenal and Chelsea target was making his return to the Brentford team after serving his eight-month FA betting ban.

And he made an instant impact against Nottingham Forest by equalising in emphatic fashion.

He curled a low free-kick around the wall which nestled into the bottom right corner.

Neville swipe

Gary Neville reignited a debate with Arsenal fans after Gabriel's opening goal in the 5-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Gunners defender broke the deadlock with a thunderous header from a Declan Rice corner early on.

A Dean Henderson own-goal doubled their lead, although it was Gabriel's head once again that caused serious problems as his effort deflected off the Palace goalkeeper.

However, the Brazilian was on the wrong end of an aerial challenge at St James' Park earlier this season as Joelinton climbed above him for Anthony Gordon's controversial winner.

Neville received a furious backlash from Arsenal fans after he claimed at the time it wasn't a foul - and has now accused them of double-standards.

Gabriel made a similar leap above Palace defender Chris Richards to put the Gunners in front and there were few complaints about the goal.

Posting an image of the incident, Neville said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Arsenal fans think this is a foul then."

Injury fear

Mikel Arteta has revealed Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes both went off with knocks during the 5-0 win against Crystal Palace.

The duo were hauled off in the second half due to respective muscle problems, with it unclear whether they will be set for a spell on the sidelines.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arsenal boss Arteta said: "He [Rice] was feeling some tightness.

"I don’t know exactly what muscle it was, but when he says that at 3-0, obviously we don’t want to take risks.

"And the same with big Gabi as well, he had some discomfort, he had a tackle in the first half and was struggling a bit so it was the right moment to take them off."

Fan protest

Crystal Palace fans aimed a stinging attack at the board by unfurling multiple banners in the stands during their 5-0 defeat to Arsenal.

A series of banners were held up by angry supporters in the away end with the Eagles now winning just one out of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

As the game approached full-time, a large banner was held up, which almost covered half of the travelling support.

It read: “Wasted potential. On and off the pitch, weak decisions. Taking us backwards.”

Palace owner Steve Parish refused to react when it was brought out, as he gave a stony-faced reaction alongside club legend Mark Bright.

Another banner could be seen with the words: “No shared vision. No structured plan. Parish out, Yanks out.”

Full time

Arsenal ran out 5-0 winners at the Emirates to move up to third in the Premier League table.

Substitute Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score twice as the Gunners ran riot against Crystal Palace.

In his short cameo off the bench, the Brazilian has now doubled his goals tally in the top-flight this season.

Three and easy

What a wonderful Arsenal goal!

This time it's Leandro Trossard who capped off a quick counter-attack in emphatic style.

David Raya claimed a cross, before quickly finding Gabriel Jesus with a long throw.

The Brazilian in turn found Trossard with a delightful through, with the Belgian then cutting inside and firing into the top left corner from 12 yards out.

Another one

Arsenal have added a second goal and it's Gabriel again!

Again it's Gabriel, who this time headed home after getting on the end of Bukayo Saka's corner.

And that's half-time!

Not much has happened in truth, but it's the Gunners who go into the break with a 2-0 lead.

Goal

Moving away from transfer talk, Arsenal are leading against Crystal Palace at the Emirates.

And it's defender Gabriel Magalhaes who has scored his second of the season.

The ex-Lille centre-back got on the end of Declan Rice's whipped in corner to head into the bottom right corner.

No to Toney

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer took a brief break from politics to discuss his beloved Arsenal with talkSPORT on Saturday.

We caught him on his way to the Emirates for Arsenal vs Crystal Palace and the 61-year-old gave his verdict on the Gunners' links with Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

While Sir Keir does not see Gabriel Jesus as the long-term solution up top, the leader of the Opposition does not think the Gunners should sign Toney either.

He told talkSPORT: “Firstly, I don’t think we’re going to. It looks like he’s going to stay at Brentford.

“He hasn’t played for a long time now. For Arsenal, if we’re going to sign a striker, and there’s a good case for that, it’s got to be someone completely on their game.

“It’s January, going into February, we can’t have someone who is going to take a bit of time to get adjusted. This is for this season.

“My feeling is it probably won’t happen. But the squad Arteta has got there… that’s the best squad I’ve seen in a long time and I’ve seen a lot of Arsenal football for many years. It’s a great squad.

“It’s about confidence and one or two extra players, especially that striker role. Jesus is great but he doesn’t score enough goals. But he wins balls he shouldn’t get anywhere near.”

Don’t go Smith Rowe

Arsenal legend Martin Keown would be upset to see academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe go to West Ham.

talkSPORT understands the Hammers are interested in signing the 23-year-old midfielder on a six-month loan deal.

However, Keown argues that the Gunners may only be interested in a full sale to raise vital funds and stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play rules.

“It might be that they want to send him on loan to give him one more chance to prove himself after all the injuries,” Keown told talkSPORT.

“But if Arsenal are looking to do some business and buy a striker, maybe this is the best way to raise some cash.

“I wouldn’t want to see him go. I think he’s an outstanding talent.

“But with Financial Fair Play, Arsenal might need to make something happen.”

Arsenal starlet heads to Austria

Mika Biereth has joined SK Sturm Graz on loan for the rest of the season.

The Arsenal starlet spent the first half of the season on loan with Motherwell, scoring six goals in 15 appearances.

After being recalled by the Gunners, reports suggested that a loan switch to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday was on the cards, but instead Biereth will be heading to Graz.

Sturm Graz are currently sitting second in the Austrian Bundesliga with a Europa Conference League tie with Slovan Bratislava to look forward to.

Art of the deal

Mikel Arteta has rubbished reports linking Arsenal with signing a striker this month.

He replied: "No, because I love the players that we have."

On the importance of Gabriel Jesus scoring more, Arteta added: "Yes but that’s for everybody. We have to share goals, and we are responsible for everything.

"On set pieces, the goalkeeper is responsible, the striker is responsible and when there is a throw-in everybody is responsible for whatever happens with that throw-in.

"We have to share that responsibility, like we have always done."

Emile ticket

It appears West Ham are in two minds over their targets as they look to land a replacement for injured star Lucas Paqueta.

talkSPORT understands manager David Moyes is pushing to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Man City, as he seeks a defensive midfielder to fill the gap in the middle of the park.

However, others in the Hammers' hierarchy aren't so keen on the England international, leading to the club's newfound interest in the more attacking-minded Smith Rowe.

The Arsenal No.10 impressed in the 2021/22 campaign with 11 goals and two assists, but injuries have curtailed his progress at the Emirates Stadium.

Groin surgery kept him out for the majority of last season, while he was sidelined with a knee problem earlier this term, and he has been left behind by teammates Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli during his various spells on the sidelines.

But a loan move to the London Stadium could be just what Smith Rowe needs to rediscover his form, having not scored a goal since April 2022, in what looks like what could be a win-win deal for both clubs.

Arteta addresses Smith Rowe reports

Mikel Arteta has insisted he is 'really happy' with Emile Smith Rowe but refused to rule out a possible exit for the midfielder.

West Ham are interested in the 23-year-old, who has only made two starts in all competitions this season.

Arteta has said the Gunners academy graduate heeds chances and minutes, but wouldn't go into any more detail than that.

"I’m really happy with Emile," said Arteta.

"He’s in the right trajectory. He’s settled really well and you know I’m not going to talk about individual situations.

"No changes. Emile is Emile. We’re really happy to have him. He needs chances. What we have to do is give him minutes."

Here to have Emile

talkSPORT understands Emile Smith Rowe is focused on staying at Arsenal at least until the end of the season and winning a place in the team.

Arsenal also want to keep him, with Mikel Arteta due to speak to the media in his press conference this afternoon.

West Ham remain interested in the midfielder, though.

Let’s see what the Gunners boss has to say – his presser has just started…

Rowe your boat...gently down the thames

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is attracting interest from West Ham, talkSPORT understands.

The Hammers are open to signing Smith Rowe, who has struggled for game time since the start of last season, on a six-month loan.

Smith Rowe has been limited to just six Premier League appearances this season - starting once.

Tone deaf

Darren Bent has told his beloved Arsenal to ignore the lure of Karim Benzema this January and look a little closer to home.

A striker who has been linked to join this January and Brentford star Ivan Toney could be the answer as he makes a return to football following an eight-month ban for a breach of betting rules.

And Bent would rather take a punt on the one-cap England international over Ballon d'Or winner and five-time Champions League winner Benzema, who has also been linked on a short-term deal as he looks to cut end his Saudi Arabian stay.

Set the tone

Arsenal target Ivan Toney will captain Brentford against Nottingham Forest on Saturday when he makes his comeback after an eight-month betting ban.

Bees boss Thomas Frank began his press conference this morning by confirming the 27-year-old striker will not only start the match, but lead the side out in the absence of the injured Christian Norgaard.

Asked how Toney had been in training this week, Frank replied: "He is buzzing. He's very committed and excited. He can't wait.

"He will start tomorrow and he will lead the team out as Christian is injured."

Karim the dream

Karim Benzema has reportedly alerted Arsenal and Premier League clubs by indicating that he is open to leaving Al-Ittihad.

According to the Evening Standard, the 36-year-old is exploring his options and believes a move to England is a possibility.

However, the report added that former Real Madrid striker's wages could prove a stumbling block to any potential deal with Arsenal.

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.”