Arsenal transfer round-up: Arteta wants £90m ace on the cheap after Ivan Toney setback
Arsenal’s season is at risk of unraveling following another loss on Sunday. The team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates, marking an early exit from the FA Cup.
Despite creating numerous opportunities, the Gunners failed to score, with Jakub Kiwior inadvertently directing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross into his own net, followed by Luis Diaz securing a goal in the 95th minute.
The setback in the FA Cup adds to Arsenal’s woes, as they have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
Additionally, their recent performance in the Premier League has been lackluster, earning just one point from their last three games.
This slump has dropped them to fourth place in the league, trailing leaders Liverpool by five points.
In light of these challenges, Arsenal is seeking reinforcements in the January transfer window. The latest rumors detail the players they are considering.
Arsenal chase Onana’s signature
Football London reports that Arsenal has expressed interest in acquiring Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. The 23-year-old player has made a significant impact in the Premier League since his move from Lille to Everton in August 2022 for a £33 million transfer fee, featuring in 47 league matches.
It is rumored that Arsenal is contemplating a £50 million offer, a sum that might tempt Everton to part ways with Onana. Everton is facing financial challenges, having received a 10-point deduction earlier in the season for violating the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Despite Everton valuing Onana at £90 million, Arsenal’s potential offer seems to be the subject of ongoing discussions between the two clubs. Onana, a Belgian international with nine senior caps, is a key player that Everton is keen on retaining.
Toney quashes Arsenal talk
Ivan Toney emphasizes his gratitude towards Brentford for standing by him during his eight-month suspension for violating the Football Association’s betting rules.
The 27-year-old England international, who netted 20 goals in the Premier League last season, is set to make his return to top-flight football this month.
Despite attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, Brentford is resolute in retaining Toney as their key player.
This determination comes as the team faces challenges, having lost Yoane Wissa to the Africa Cup of Nations and Bryan Mbeumo to a severe ankle injury.
Toney acknowledges that he has a debt to repay to Brentford and appears committed to contributing to the team’s success moving forward.
In an interview with Mirror Football, Toney said: “They (Brentford) have been nothing but amazing for me. I can’t thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So it’s kind of like I have a lot to repay.”
Brentford is currently going through a challenging phase in the Premier League, suffering from a string of five consecutive losses.
Amidst this difficult period, the club is relying on Ivan Toney to play a crucial role in helping them secure safety in the league before considering any potential sale in the summer.
Positioned 16th in the table, Brentford is just four points above the relegation zone, highlighting the urgency for Toney to contribute significantly and aid the team in avoiding relegation.
Mbappe future still in the balance
While Arsenal’s aspirations of securing Kylian Mbappe’s signature may be deemed exceedingly unlikely, fans will persist in their dreams until the player’s future is ultimately determined.
The 25-year-old World Cup winner currently has only six months remaining on his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, attracting interest from various clubs.
Real Madrid emerges as the frontrunner in the race to acquire Mbappe, with Liverpool and other Premier League clubs also expressing interest.
Recent reports on Sunday hinted at a potential agreement between Mbappe and Madrid, but the player’s representatives, as communicated to Fabrizio Romano, have refuted such claims. The uncertainty surrounding Mbappe’s destination continues to fuel speculation and anticipation among football enthusiasts.
Arsenal transfer round-up: Arteta wants £90m ace on the cheap after Ivan Toney setback