Arsenal transfer news: Ivan Toney, Karim Benzema, Xavi Simons and more

Will Mikel Arteta’s side sign a striker to aid their title chase?

Sports Staff
Thursday 18 January 2024 14:25 GMT
Comments
Related video: Arteta frustrated after FA Cup exit but praises Arsenal performance

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal could be among the most fascinating clubs as the January transfer window continues with Mikel Arteta’s side hunting for a couple of key additions.

Recent results have seen them slide away from the top of the table, but with no club surging clear, the London club remain in the hunt for the title.

A consistent goalscorer is perhaps the individual they will most prominently pursue, with Gabriel Jesus short of consistency and Eddie Nketiah yet to establish himself as a regular starter.

Here are some of the latest Arsenal transfer rumours.

Ivan Toney

A long-time target for the club, Toney is set to make his return to action for Brentford having served his eight-month betting ban. The striker averages a goal every other game in the Premier League and has expressed a desire to test himself at a “top club”.

Brentford, though, are unlikely to want the centre forward to leave without a sizeable transfer fee. The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports that a price tag of £100m has been set for Toney.

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema could move away from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad
Karim Benzema could move away from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad (AFP via Getty Images)

Veteran French striker Benzema might be a possible option as an alternative. The 36-year-old is being offered to some top European clubs having joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad last summer, with the ex-Real Madrid man also linked with Chelsea.

Xavi Simons

Arsenal are said to be leading the chase for PSG’s talented Dutch starlet Xavi Simons, who has been on loan at RB Leipzig this season. German outlet BILD suggest that the 20-year-old is also a Bayern Munich target, while Simons has previously been strongly connected with Manchester United.

Bruno Guimaraes

A new midfielder may also be on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist as he bids to continue to construct a potential title-winning team. Newcastle are unlikely to part with Bruno Guimaraes but there have been widespread reports of long-standing interest in the Brazilian.

Cedric Soares

(Getty Images)

In terms of outgoings, full-back Soares looks set for Besiktas, while Mohamed Elneny could also be allowed to leave Arsenal. The club, meanwhile, are expected to confirm a permanent deal for David Raya has been completed soon - Raya arrived on an initial loan from Brentford but has become Arteta’s first choice in goal ahead of Aaron Ramsdale.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in