Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Toney set to stay at Brentford, Osimhen speaks on future, Gunners in battle for Zirkzee, Onana latest

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.

Kiwior staying put

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is expected to stay at the club this month, the player's agent has said.

"Kuba is an Arsenal player," Kiwior's agent Pawel Zimonczyk revealed to Polish channel Kanal Sportowy as quoted by the Daily Mirror.

"There are no signals that they want to get rid of him, and I don't think anything will happen in the winter window."

No talks for Benzema

Arsenal are not actively working on a deal to sign Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: "In the last 48 hours I’ve received many questions from Arsenal fans asking about Karim Benzema and Arsenal.

"From what I’m hearing, again today, there is nothing ongoing between Karim Benzema and Arsenal.

"As of today, Arsenal are not working on a deal to sign Karim Benzema, it is simply not true.

"That’s the reality, I don’t want to sell you dreams. I know that the name of Benzema is exciting many fans around the world but as of today, from what I’m hearing, Arsenal are not working on this deal."

Kiwior attracting interest

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is a target for AC Milan, according to Sky Italia.

The centre-back has appeared as a potential option for the Serie A side should their approach for other targets be unsuccessful.

Milan are keen on signing Aston Villa loanee Clement Lenglet from Barcelona as well as Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah.

But if neither player is up for the move, Kiwior will become their main target this month.

Rekik returns

Wigan Athletic have confirmed that defender Omar Rekik has returned to Arsenal.

Rekik had spent the first half of the season on loan at the League One side but his deal has now expired.

And rather than having his spell extended, the 22-year-old will be heading back to the Emirates.

'I would like to see Toney at a bigger club'

Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal should sign Ivan Toney to solve their goalscoring issues up front.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Ferdinand said: "His goal record has been really good.

"At Arsenal, they need someone who is going to be occupying centre-backs in the penalty area.

"Jesus, I think is a teammate’s dream. I think every player loves playing with Jesus because he offers himself so much to the team. He will help you out in a bad position, he will chase down opponents, he will keep possession of the ball and play people in.

"But you get your goals in the box. That’s where you are going to be judged.

"I think he has that Brazilian laid back, I want to enjoy my football vibe and I think Ivan Toney is more focused on being in the box. So he might suit Arsenal.

"But have Arsenal got £100m? I don’t think Brentford sell for any price in this window. Summer might be too late.

"I would like to see Toney at a bigger club and see what he could do."

Arsenal still need a striker

Despite a 5-0 win against Crystal Palace at the weekend, talkSPORT's Perry Groves still thinks that Arsenal need a new striker.

Speaking after the game, Groves said: "They need a centre forward.

"Because of FFP, it seems like Arsenal can't spend any money, but if they could, Toney would fit them perfectly.

"He's a lot better technically than what people give him credit for, he's got the arrogance that he could go straight in and settle in.

"Last season, Arsenal had four plays score over 10 Premier League goals whereas this season, that hasn't happened at the moment.

"The games before the Crystal Palace game, they had 48 shots and didn't score."

Battle for Boniface

Arsenal are part of a three-team battle for Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, according to The Sun.

The Gunners have been eyeing a move for Boniface while Chelsea have also been linked.

And West Ham are the latest team said to be interested, with the Hammers willing to break their transfer record for the Nigerian.

The 23-year-old has scored 10 goals and assisted seven in 16 appearances in the Bundesliga this season.

Everton's asking price

Everton are reported to be willing to sell Amadou Onana for £50million.

That's according to The Telegraph who also claim that Newcastle could join Arsenal in making a move for the Belgian.

Onana has been heavily linked to a move to the Gunners who are on the lookout for a new midfielder.

At that asking price, a January switch is unlikely but the interest is expected to continue in the summer.

Simons admired

Arsenal have admired Xavi Simons since last summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The PSG star who is on loan at Leipzig has captured the attention of the Gunners but they are yet to make a move.

Giving an update on the situation, Romano said: “My understanding is that Arsenal were following him last summer but now, there’s absolutely nothing new.

“PSG are very happy with his loan in Leipzig, and decision time will be in the summer – nothing is being decided in January for Xavi Simons.”

Toney set to stay

Ivan Toney will be going nowhere in January.

talkSPORT understands that the striker is expected to stay at Brentford this month with him being handed the captaincy a statement from manager Thomas Frank.

He scored in their win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday after his eight-month suspension for betting-related offences.

Arsenal and Chelsea still retain an interest in the striker for the summer.

Rice sparks Toney rumours

Declan Rice has added more fuel to the fire when it comes to Ivan Toney to Arsenal rumours.

Toney scored on his return to action yesterday and celebrated his by sharing an image with the caption: "I’ve been manifesting this moment for a long time.

"It’s been difficult being out this long but stepping foot out on the pitch yesterday, scoring and winning was worth the wait. I’d also like to thank the fans who have stuck by me throughout!

"Losing my uncle during this time has also been tough but I’d like to dedicate my goal to him, I hope he’s proud. Let’s keep working and building together. Showtimeeee bebehh [red heart emoji and fist emoji.]"

Rice then commented on the post, saying: "yessir," with a flame emoji.

Fans have had their hopes boosted over a potential move for Toney but of course, this is likely to just be a friendy exchange.

Ligt my fire

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their rumoured interest in Matthijs de Ligt.

Both the Gunners and Manchester United have been linked with the Dutch defender.

Sky in Germany, per the Evening Standard, reports that De Ligt could be open to leaving Bayern Munich in the summer.

Arsenal not the best fit for Toney?

Troy Deeney believes that Ivan Toney would be the perfect fit for Chelsea.

The former Watford striker joined talkSPORT following Toney's return for Brentford and identified where his next destination should be.

Deeney said: “You know who's going to score, he lives for the headlines.

"He's got an unerring confidence and unwavering confidence that most footballers have, but his is more like steely determination mixed with arrogance. 

"Total transparency, I thought he looked tired, which is normal. Normally he would drop deep, set it in the box and then make his way into the box. 

"I thought that a few times, but he managed himself really well. He'll only get bigger, better and stronger. 

"I think if they can keep him between now and the end of the season, they've done really well.

"I keep saying it, I've said it before, but I think Chelsea is the perfect landing spot for him. I really do."

Gunner blow

Arsenal have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Ajax's defensive starlet Jorrel Hato.

The Gunners are claimed to be keen on the 17-year-old, who has earned rave reviews from his 36 outings this season.

But according to De Telegraaf, the teenager is set to sign a new contract in Amsterdam.

Due to the player not turning 18 until March, Arsenal are unable to make a move for Hato until the summer.

It has been said that he will pen a three-year deal with Ajax on March 7 - the day he turns 18.

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."