Arsenal's Toney deal called into question as alternative transfer identified

27 December 2023 , 03:00

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The January transfer window is nearly upon us and as a result, Arsenal are plotting their next moves on how they strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.

The Gunners are well and truly in the title race and started Boxing Day top of the pile, but with the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City all also in the running Mikel Arteta knows that further additions are required to boost their prospects and end the two decade wait for a league title.

Next up on the fixture list is West Ham at the Emirates, before New Year's Eve sees Arsenal make the short trip to west London to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage. They may be the last two fixtures some Gunners stars contest in before heading for the exit at the turn of the year.

With that in mind, here are some of the main transfer talking points surrounding Arsenal on December 27.

Gunners ready to battle for teen star

Arsenal's Toney deal called into question as alternative transfer identified eiqreieikzinv

Yarek Gasiorowski made his debut for Valencia this season (Getty Images)

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Arsenal are one of a number of clubs keen on trying to land the signature of Valencia defender Yarek Gasiorowski, as per Fichajes.

However, they will have to beat north London rivals Tottenham and Italian titans Juventus, given both are also keen admirers of the teenager. Gasiorowski's versatility is one of his strongest assets, as he is able to operate as both a centre-back and left-back.

Tied to the LaLiga outfit until June 2025, it is believed that Arsenal could comfortably meet Valencia's asking price. Some reports claim that Gasiorowski's release clause is as little as £17.5million, in which case Arteta's side could sign him as well as other targets.

Toney deal questioned

Arsenal's Toney deal called into question as alternative transfer identified

Ivan Toney has been linked with Arsenal (Offside via Getty Images)

Arsenal's interest in Brentford's Ivan Toney is well-documented, but ex-England international Stuart Pearce has cast doubt over whether the Bees talisman is the right forward for what the Gunners need.

Speaking to The Express about what Arteta should be aiming to sign next month, Pearce claimed: "The big thing is, the age of Toney might come into consideration. People want value for money.

"He is certainly, before he was laid up, he was firing particularly well and did brilliantly for Brentford. I think he’s an outstanding player, but whether what it would cost to get him out of Brentford is value for money, I don’t know.

"Brentford will want top dollar for him, having sat with the player for the best part of nine months without him kicking a ball."

One deal to look out for

Dominic Solanke is thought highly of by the Gunners hierarchy

If the Gunners do miss out on Toney, Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke would be a fine alternative. The Cherries striker has bagged nine Premier League goals this season to prove he can flourish among England's elite and, at 26, is a year younger than his Brentford counterpart.

Arsenal are thought to be interested in signing Solanke, who fired England to victory at the U17 World Cup in 2017, but the Cherries might be unwilling to sell their talisman. He remains under contract until June 2027 and won't be available on the cheap. It'll be interesting to see how much Arsenal are willing to pay, should they decide to make a move.

Find 7 other transfers Mirror Football has predicted .