Arsenal transfer round-up: Update on Toney and Osimhen, Cedric Soares nears exit and more

As we head into the third week of January, there has been very little movement in the transfer window by Arsenal.

Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints have so far limited the Gunners, who currently look unlikely to conduct any business this winter.

Before the transfer window opened, journalist Dean Jones claimed that Arsenal would prioritise a move for a centre-back. Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: “My understanding is that if Arsenal do go for a striker, and obviously there will be a temptation to do that right now because they’ve got this opportunity to win the Premier League, they’re going to have to raise some funds somewhere along the way.

“The priority for Arsenal is to sign a centre-back. That’s what they’re looking for. Any money they do have is probably primarily going to go towards that. And then they’ll think about bringing in an extra midfielder possibly on loan and what do they do about a number nine?” 

“So again, Ivan Toney at £70m, Victor Osimhen at £120m – extremely difficult to do. But there are players within the squad that perhaps could be freed up and you can start to raise that cash,” Jones concluded.

Here are the latest updates on the transfer front for the Gunners.

Latest Arsenal January transfer window updates

1. Striker Situation

Ivan Toney has now officially returned from his eight-month ban. Journalist Ryan Taylor revealed that Spurs also have an interest in the player, although Toney would prefer a move to Arsenal. 

Speaking on The Spurs chat podcast, he said: “People have shot down Spurs’ interest in Toney, whereas the information I’ve had is: don’t rule out Spurs. Although Toney wants to join Arsenal and he would favour that move above anywhere else at this moment in time.”

However, following the signing of Timo Werner on loan, it is possible that the Gunners are handed a boost in their pursuit for Toney.

2. Cedric Soares nearing exit

Fabrizio Romano revealed on GiveMeSport that Arsenal’s first bit of business in January is likely to be Cedric Soares’ permanent move away from the club.

The Gunners are looking to raise funds to enable them to have crucial incoming in this window. Soares’ exit will possibly be the first player and Arsenal are also working on the sale of Mohamed Elneny.

There are reports indicating that Turkish side Besiktas are monitoring the situation and could make a move for the Portuguese defender. Both Soares and Elneny are also rumoured to have attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League.

3. Douglas Luiz

Douglas Luiz has been on Arsenal’s list for a while now. However, Aston Villa have been stubborn and are not willing to let the player leave; understandably so. Liverpool have now emerged as contenders to chase for the Brazilian internationals’ signature.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are ready to spend a record-breaking fee of £85m to sign Luiz. However, Romano has confirmed that the player admires Arsenal and is likely to choose them if a deal were to materialise.

The exit of the player is now up to Aston Villa, if they are ready to let go of the starlet.

4. Jeremie Frimpong

Mikel Arteta supposedly remains keen on signing a full-back in the January transfer window. Jeremie Frimpong has reportedly emerged as a player shortlisted by the Gunners.

About a month ago Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Frimpong's performances. Speaking to Caught Offside, he said, “There have been plenty of stories about Jeremie Frimpong and a £34m release clause in his contract. I can confirm that there is a clause, and he’s certainly a player who is greatly admired around Europe after some fantastic performances this season."

Frimpong has been scouted by Arsenal and Bayern Munich in recent times, as well as by Barcelona before they instead signed Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City in the summer,” the Italian journalist concluded.

However, Romano also confirmed that a move is more likely at the end of the season given the position Bayer Leverkusen are in midway through 2022/23. So, it is now down to the clubs to push for the player if they want to secure the Dutch Internationals’ signature soon.

After another week in the transfer window, there is still very little movement from Arsenal. But there is still a decent amount of time for something to be able to happen provided the Gunners work quick and smart.

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