Arsenal transfer news LIVE: £75m Moises Caicedo latest, Gunners 'make contact' with Onana, Declan Rice 'gives word' | The Sun
ARSENAL are still mulling over a bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who the Seagulls will reportedly only let go for £75million.
The Gunners are also in the running for Everton man Amadou Onana, who is likely to leave the club despite joining just last summer.
And their other midfield target, Declan Rice, is said to have given his word to Arsenal that he will join them in the summer.
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- Tony Robertson
Morning, Arsenal fans
The Gunners' hunt for a new midfield anchorman could be down to three players.
Arsenal have "made contact" with Everton over £50million-rated Amadou Onana.
It follows the Belgian reportedly rebuffing Chelsea, with Newcastle also interested.
Ecuador ace Moises Caicedo was valued at the same level but it's claimed Brighton now want nearer £75m.
Chelsea and Liverpool are regarded as Arsenal's main rivals for the 21-year-old.
The third man on the list is Vitoria Guimaraes' Italian star Ibrahima Bamba, 20.
Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta openly admits he wants more cover in the middle.
But Eddie Nketiah's sensational form up front means the hunt to replace injured striker Gabriel Jesus is now way down the list of priorities.
West Ham's Declan Rice remains the dream recruit for next summer.
But Arsenal legend Ray Parlour reckons the current midfield axis of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka might be too good to break up.
- Ian Tuckey
Mikel would be City boss if I'd left
Pep Guardiola says Mikel Arteta would be City’s boss if he had quit.
But he did not rule out fireworks when their sides clash in the FA Cup on Friday.
Arteta was Guardiola’s No 2 from 2016 to 2019 but Pep’s decision to stay at Manchester City after winning a domestic treble saw his pal leave for Arsenal.
Guardiola said: “I’m pretty sure if I would have left, he would be here and he would be the best.
“But I extended the contract — I am sorry — and he didn’t wait.
“I am not a guy to say, ‘No, you have to stay with me’. Everyone has dreams.
“I know he went to ‘his’ club, the team he dreams of. He loves the club.”
And Pep, who faces his old pal at the Etihad in the Cup’s fourth round, said: “Anything can happen on the touchline.
“He’s a rival. I want to beat him and he wants to beat me — I know that.
“I know how we both are after a defeat — we are not best friends in the world — but I have a huge respect for him as a person and manager.”
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners 'in contact' over Onana
Arsenal are in talks over signing Amadou Onana after he rebuffed Chelsea.
That's the claim tonight as both London giants seek another midfielder before the transfer deadline passes on Tuesday.
Earlier today it was suggested the Belgian would not be averse to seeing out the season at lowly Everton.
But it's understood the Toffees might do business if they get an offer way above the £35m fee they paid Lille in the summer.
Graeme Bailey told the Talking Transfers podcast (via TBR): “He’ll carry a price tag of £50m. Newcastle and Arsenal have both been in touch.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ibrahima could solve anchorman problem
Ibrahima Bamba could be Arsenal’s third January signing.
Boss Mikel Arteta admits he wants more cover in central midfield.
And Vitoria Guimaraes Italian ace Bamba, 20, is enjoying a breakthrough season in the Portuguese top flight.
- Ian Tuckey
Pumped-up Tiah
Manchester City were expecting the second coming of Jesus.
But on Friday they will be fearing a man rewarded for keeping the faith.
Eddie Nketiah is surpassing expectations after stepping up at Arsenal in the absence of injured Gabriel Jesus, who was sold by City to the Gunners for £45million in the summer.
But that faith Nketiah has shown — in his own ability, in God and in the hard graft he put himself through in the last three years — proved to be the key to making it happen.
The striker was finally presented a fortnight ago with a specially-made golden boot award for becoming the England Under-21’s all-time record scorer.
Yet despite those 16 goals in 17 Young Lions games, which beat the haul set by Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers, some doubted whether he could be the main man at Arsenal.
An underwhelming — but crucially, formative — loan spell at Leeds in the 2019-20 season under Marcelo Bielsa did not give much encouragement.
And while he showed glimpses in cameos last season, he almost left on a free before signing a new deal in June.
But Nketiah has seized his recent opportunity by hitting six goals in as many matches.
- Ian Tuckey
How apprentice Arteta can beat master Pep
We are into the back end of January and finally, the game everyone has been waiting for is about to take place, writes ADAM SCULLY.
The two best clubs in English football right now are set to go toe-to-toe a high-flying Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
However, supporters will be forced to wait another two weeks before the European giants meet in the Premier League which could be a colossal game in the title race with long-lasting repercussions.
In the mean-time, fans will still be treated to a nice prequel this Friday in the FA Cup ahead of the first league outing in mid-February.
With City bowing out of the Carabao Cup to a struggling Southampton and Arsenal running away with the league halfway through the campaign, the FA Cup may be the only piece of silverware that the Mancunian giants will win this season.
Guardiola will not want to make any mistakes in this one but will be facing a coach he imparted so much wisdom upon who now oversees the most in-form team in world football.
HERE'S OUR TACTICAL BREAKDOWN
ON TOMORROW'S BIG FA CUP CLASH - Ian Tuckey
Partey fine without Rice
Ray Parlour believes Declan Rice would not get into Arsenal’s team ahead of Thomas Partey.
But he does believe the West Ham man could be useful for depth given all the competitions the Gunners may compete in.
The former Arsenal player told NetBet Sports Betting: “Yeah absolutely he’s a top player but Partey has been brilliant in the midfield I mean, look, if you get Declan Rice does he play in front of Partey at the moment?
“But you need big players in your team throughout the season.If you’re going for the Champions League and you playing in the league, FA Cup, there are so many games, so you need to rotate your squad at times, but Partey has been very important for Arsenal.”
- Ian Tuckey
Twerkish delight as Claudia says: London I'm ready
Jakub Kiwior's wife Claudia Kowalczyk hopes she's got her twerk-life balance just right after announcing: "London I'm ready."
The Polish couple are settling happily into life in the capital after Arsenal paid Serie A club Spezia £21million for the defender.
And twerking queen Claudia revealed she's been overwhelmed by well-wishers.
The 30-year-old posted on Instagram: "Thank you all for Your messages!
"I can't reply to everyone, but I really appreciate it! London I'm ready."
Kiwior and Arsenal's other January new boy, Leandro Trossard, could make full debuts in Friday's FA Cup fourth-round clash at Manchester City.
- Ian Tuckey
Wigan axe ex-Arsenal ace Kolo
Kolo Toure has been sacked by Wigan – after failing to win any of his NINE games in charge.
The ex-Arsenal defender left his role as a coach at Leicester in November 2022 to take his first managerial job.
But a torrid run of results means the Latics have axed the Ivorian already, with the club bottom of the Championship.
Assistants Kevin Betsy and Ashvir Johal have also departed.
Wigan's CEO Malachy Brannigan said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Kolo, along with Kevin and Ash, for their efforts during their time at the football club.
“Unfortunately, the results on the field have not been as we would have liked and as tough a decision as this was, the board felt it necessary to give us the best possible chance of remaining a Championship club next season.
“We know that this time of year is a key period for any football club, ourselves included.
"Therefore, we will now work swiftly and effectively to ensure the right person is appointed as the next permanent manager of Wigan Athletic, with the immediate objective of remaining in the second tier for next season.”
- Ian Tuckey
Unsung duo top game-time for Gunners
Mikel Arteta has settled on a consistent team throughout the season as Arsenal became a Premier League force again.
Gabriel and Aaron Ramsdale have played the most Prem minutes out of all of the Gunner’s players so far.
- Ian Tuckey
McKennie's from heaven
Weston McKennie looks set to make the next big step in what has been an intriguing footballing career.
Linked strongly to Arsenal and Leeds, the 24-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder who became the first American to sign for Juventus in 2020 after signing from Schalke.
He has had a mixed time of it in Turin since but has been a regular when fit over the last few seasons.
McKennie also played in all four of the USA’s game in the 2022 World Cup and is closing in on 50 international caps.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal boost as Onana 'rejects Chelsea'
Everton midfielder and reported Arsenal target Amadou Onana is said to have rejected Chelsea.
The £50million-rated Belgium anchorman, 21, has been an ever-present since his £35million summer arrival from Lille.
It's been claimed today he would be happy to see out the season with the second-bottom Toffees.
But talk of Chelsea failing with an approach is likely to boost his fellow admirers Arsenal.
The Blues are also looking at Benfica's Enzo Fernandez and Brighton hero Moises Caicedo as they aim to add one more midfielder before the transfer window shuts.
- Ian Tuckey
Zinchenko boost for Jakub
Oleksandr Zinchenko made a touching gesture to Arsenal new boy Jakub Kiwior after Sunday’s win against Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta’s £21million signing and his twerking fiancee Claudia Kowalczyk watched from the Emirates stands as the Gunners beat their rivals 3-2.
The important victory saw Arsenal move five points clear of Manchester City in the title race with a game in hand.
But despite only just joining the Gunners, 22-year-old Poland ace Kiwior was hauled into Arsenal’s dressing room after the match by new pal Zinchenko.
The Ukraine star and his team-mates wanted to celebrate the momentous win over a fellow trophy chaser.
And Zinchenko was adamant that even though Kiwior was yet to kick a ball, he was already a member of the side and deserved to be there.
Kiwior’s agent Pawel Zimonczyk told Dominik Watorski: “Zinchenko dragged Jakub into the changing room after the game against Man United.
“His entrance wasn’t planned, but as soon as Zinchenko saw him he called out, ‘If you’re already with us, you’re already with us’.”
- Ian Tuckey
Bamba tipped for Gunners
Vitoria Guimaraes anchorman Ibrahima Bamba could be Arsenal's third January signing.
Boss Mikel Arteta admits he wants more cover in central midfield.
And Italian Bamba, 20,is enjoying a breakthrough season in the Portuguese top flight.
- Ian Tuckey
Mix-ing with the very best
Mikel Arteta is ready for the challenge of Manchester City in the FA Cup tomorrow.
He told club media: “It’s a big match, and a big test for us against in my opinion the best football team in the world. I’m looking forward to it because it will tell us a lot about where we are.
“I think there are going to be two very very different games [between the FA Cup and league matches], and to put similarities into them is very unreal. Maybe because of the players on the pitch, but as well the context is extremely different.”
- Ian Tuckey
'Mudryk snubbed Gunners for the money'
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is adamant Mykhailo Mudryk snubbed a move to the Emirates in favour of Chelsea because of the money.
Mudryk looked set to join the Gunners in the January transfer window after the Premier League leaders offered Shakhtar Donetsk €70million (£62m) and €30m (£26m) in add-ons.
Mudryk also appeared keen to join the North Londoners as he shared a raft of posts on social media in which he strongly hinted he wants that move.
But the Blues swooped in at the 11th hour to match Arsenal's bid with an offer that had a better structure and landed the winger.
Wright told Arseblog: "With Mudryk I was very excited about that.
"With the money it started to get into the realm where it could knock us off our axis in terms of what we’re trying to do. He looks like the kind of guy that would fit into our group.
"I was a bit disappointed but not disappointed that Arsenal went ‘that’s fine’. He’s gone there for money, I’m not going to blame him because he’s someone who has had a lot more going on around him personally and in his life.
"We cannot talk about how much money he wants to take for whatever reason. I’m not even going there if I’m being totally honest. I was just disappointed we weren’t able to get him because of how good he is."
- Ian Tuckey
Rice would struggle to oust Partey
Ray Parlour believes Declan Rice would not get into Arsenal’s team ahead of Thomas Partey.
But he does believe the West Ham man could be useful for depth given all the competitions the Gunners may compete in.
The former Arsenal player told NetBet Sports Betting: “Yeah absolutely he’s a top player but Partey has been brilliant in the midfield I mean, look, if you get Declan Rice does he play in front of Partey at the moment?
“But you need big players in your team throughout the season.If you’re going for the Champions League and you playing in the league, FA Cup, there are so many games, so you need to rotate your squad at times, but Partey has been very important for Arsenal.”
- Kiro Evans
Oh Na Na
Everton star Amadou Onana has snubbed a move to Chelsea which could open the door for Arsenal to get revenge for their Mykhailo Mudryk hijacking.
Onana's future on Merseyside looks bleak after Sky Sports reported that he failed to report to training on Tuesday.
And the Telegraph claimed that Chelsea, who were desperate to sign a midfielder this month, have shown an interest.
But French outlet L'Equipe now believe the 21-year-old has decided against a Stamford Bridge switch.
That could open the door for Arsenal, who are reportedly interested in the midfielder following an injury to Mohamed Elneny.
- Kiro Evans
Irreplaceables
Mikel Arteta has settled on a consistent team throughout the season as Arsenal became a Premier League force again.
Gabriel and Aaron Ramsdale have played the most Prem minutes out of all of the Gunner's players so far.
There has not been much rotation at the Emirates so far this season - Kiro Evans
'One of the most important clubs in England'
Pep Guardiola has lavished Arsenal and Mikel Arteta with praise ahead of City's FA Cup meeting with the league leaders tomorrow.
In a pre-match press conference, he said: "Arsenal is one of the most important clubs in England. I said many times we knew it, when [Arteta] was here. His ability and capacity, [their success] is the biggest compliment to Arsenal as well.
"The hierarchy, they trusted him in their bad moments. I guess it wouldn't have been easy. At the end you need time and investment, but the results are there. It is a challenge for us to challenge them."
- Kiro Evans
Waiting in the Wings
Pep Guardiola has said that Mikel Arteta was in line to replace him at Manchester City had he left his role.
The Arsenal boss was assistant to Guardiola for three years at Man City before heading to the Emirates at the end of 2019.
Ahead of the FA Cup game between the Premier League's top two tomorrow, Guardiola told reporters: "I'm pretty sure if I left and he would be here, he'd be the best option. But I extended my contract, I'm sorry. It couldn't happen."
Mikel Arteta is set to face Pep Guardiola for the eighth time as Arsenal boss tomorrowCredit: AP Photo/Rui Vieira
- Kiro Evans
Buk on Top
Bukayo Saka is among the nominees for the Premier League's Player of the Month award for January.
He joins a seven-man shortlist including Newcastle’s Dan Burn, Brennan Johnson of Nottingham Forest, Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, Brighton’s Solly March, Brentford keeper David Raya and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United.
Saka has been in fantastic form in January as Arsenal continue their impressive season.
- Kiro Evans
Master v Apprentice
Mikel Arteta has revealed how much he is looking forward to facing his old boss Pep Guardiola tomorrow.
He told club media: "I always hoped that [a title challenge between the two] was going to be the case one day, and it’s happening this season.
"But that’s not going to change any friendship or the moments that we have, how important he is in my life or how important he is in my profession.
"This league brings you incredible challenges. You have the best coaches in the world, and the best coach in the world. To be at that level, you have to find other things to try and compete with them and that’s where opportunities come as well."
- Kiro Evans
Facing 'the best team in the world'
Mikel Arteta is ready for the challenge of Manchester City in the FA Cup tomorrow.
He told club media: “It’s a big match, and a big test for us against in my opinion the best football team in the world. I’m looking forward to it because it will tell us a lot about where we are.
“I think there are going to be two very very different games [between the FA Cup and league matches], and to put similarities into them is very unreal. Maybe because of the players on the pitch, but as well the context is extremely different."
- Kiro Evans
Parlour on Partey
Ray Parlour believes Declan Rice would not get into Arsenal's team ahead of Thomas Partey.
But he does believe the West Ham man could be useful for depth given all the competitions the Gunners may compete in.
The former Arsenal player told NetBet Sports Betting: “Yeah absolutely he's a top player but Partey has been brilliant in the midfield I mean, look, if you get Declan Rice does he play in front of Partey at the moment?
“But you need big players in your team throughout the season.If you're going for the Champions League and you playing in the league, FA Cup, there are so many games, so you need to rotate your squad at times, but Partey has been very important for Arsenal."
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