Arsenal transfer news LIVE - Sandro Tonali update, Ethan Nwaneri recall truth, Julian Alvarez latest

Wilson fee

Hearts want £8million to sanction James Wilson's proposed transfer to Arsenal before Monday's 7pm deadline, according to journalist Fraser Fletcher.

Talks are ongoing around a potential deal that could see Wilson finish the season in Scotland or include a longer loan back to Hearts.

Wilson, 18, has scored two goals in 10 appearances for the runaway Scottish Premiership leaders this season.

Arsenal midfield latest

According to The Athletic, it's far more likely that Arsenal decide against signing a direct replacement for Mikel Merino before Monday's 7pm deadline.

The Gunners are looking into potential midfield reinforcements after it was confirmed that Merino would need surgery after suffering a foot injury in last month's defeat to Manchester United.

There is an anticipation that Max Dowman could step into Merino's role until the end of the season. The club feel that the 16-year-old can make an impact on a regular basis, having made his breakthrough into the first-team back in August.

Guler tipped for Arsenal move

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Eboue has urged the Gunners to sign Arda Guler as a replacement for the injured Mikel Merino.

Eboue told Aceodds.com: "Arda Guler is a very good young player and he's played well for Real Madrid. But, the Premier League is not easy.

"If he comes to Arsenal, a team that likes to play possession football, Arda also likes that. He'd be a good fit for Arsenal but Arsenal already have a lot of midfielders.

"He has a great left foot and he can score, he can pass and Arsenal like that kind of a player."

Arsenal eye U21 signings

Arsenal are in talks with Hearts over a loan swoop for Scotland international striker James Wilson (18).

The idea would be that he'd come and provide extra power for the Gunners' U21s, who are struggling for results.

As reported by football.london, Arsenal have failed with a fresh bid for Blackburn Rovers prospect Igor Tyjon, who is a long-term target.

The offer was worth around £1m and has seen them pivot to Wilson as they are not expected to bid any higher given he's available (subject to compensation tribunal) in the summer.

There is also interest in St Mirren's teenage attacking midfielder Evan Mooney. A deal worth an initial £400k plus bonuses has been discussed.

Last minute loan signing

football.london understands Arsenal are weighing up a late loan move, with two domestic loan slots still available under Pemier League rules.

The club are also expected to assess options from overseas as the window closes. Ruben Neves is said to fit the type of experienced midfielder Arsenal admire, but at this stage he is not viewed as a realistic option.

Meanwhile, Lille talent Ayyoub Bouaddi is on their shortlist, with a full assessment planned for the end of the season.

Yan Diomande 'interest'

German outlet BILD reports that they are among several clubs showing interest in RB Leipzig prospect Yan Diomande.

Alongside Arsenal, both Liverpool and Man United are tracking the Ivorian, while Bayern Munich are also said to hold an interest. The German club are said to be growing irritated by the prospect of a bidding war with English sides, especially with Leipzig expected to seek more than £86m for Diomande. Bayern are reportedly unwilling to go that high.

Only time will reveal Diomande's next destination, but a January switch appears improbable, with a summer transfer viewed as the most likely scenario.

Forward departs

Osman Kamara has bid farewell to the club on social media.

The youngster, who arrived ahead of the 2014/15 season, has been with the club ever since. He previously turned out for the same Sunday League team as Sol Campbell and has represented Sierra Leone at youth level.

He hit double figures for goals in Arsenal's academy during the 2023/24 season.

He wrote: "After 10 years at Arsenal, it's time to take the next step in my career. I am grateful towards every staff member, coach and the club that nurtured me," continued Kamara, who penned his first pro deal with the Gunners in 2024. "Excited for what's to come!"

Sandro Tonali to Arsenal transfer truth after claims of stunning Newcastle deadline day deal

Newcastle United have received no contact on deadline day for midfielder Sandro Tonali - despite reports of interest from Arsenal.

A report from Sky Sport in Germany claimed that Arsenal were "exploring" a move for the Italy internationa l. However, football.london's sister title in the north east, ChronicleLive, reports that sources on Tyneside suggest that Tonali has had 'no contact' and the mere suggestion that the Gunners have made an approach is 'not true'.

Tonali has a contract until 2029 with his deal extended during his 10-month FIFA ban for illegal betting. Magpies Sporting director Ross Wilson stated only in December: "My first three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro's contract situation as significantly better than the one I was expecting.

"My first days were about analysing contracts – where are we, where are we strong, where are we weak, where have we got issues?"

Read more here.

Sandro Tonali move 'explored'

According to Sky Germany, Arsenal are exploring a shock move for Newcastle star Tonali.

Reporter Florian Plettenberg said: "I've been told from very, very top sources, please check it, that Arsenal are exploring a surprising deadline day move for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

"And there has been direct talks in the last couple of hours but for now very, very difficult to finalise because Newcastle didn't give the green light but Arsenal are still trying. They are pushing for Sandro Tonali to make the deal happen today."

This comes after Mikel Merino's injury with the Gunners keen to fill that void left by the Spaniard. Arsenal have confirmed Merino requires surgery on a foot injury that will sideline him for most of the season's run‑in.

Read more here.

Wayne Rooney's Viktor Gyokeres claim

Wayne Rooney has argued that Man United should have moved for Hugo Ekitike ahead of Liverpool, rather than targeting Viktor Gyokeres.

"We saw what Gyokeres did at Sporting, I know it was obviously a different country but he was scoring more goals than anyone and was absolutely on fire," he said on The Wayne Rooney show. "I’ve backed Gyokeres this season and people have given me a bit of stick but I still think he’s making a different to Arsenal, I really do.

"He’s occupying defenders and that’s helping the team. I know he’s not got the goals or assists you’d want from your centre forward but I still think he’s having an impact."

Oleksandr Zinchenko sends farewell message

Zinchenko completed his Arsenal exit on Sunday after returning from a loan at Nottingham Forest. The defender has joined Ajax on a permanent deal, though he is only under contract until the end of the season.

Zinchenko delivered a touching message to the Gunners as the news broke. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "To the Gunners. I will never forget the way you welcomed me. Still remember the goosebumps I got at the first game after hearing your 'Always beliiiiiieeeve'. I couldn't even dream about it.

"From the deepest place in my heart I would like to say a massive thank you for everything that you have done for me and my family. To the coaching staff, thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of this amazing club. To the players, thank you for the priceless experience, fantastic memories and becoming friends for life. To all the staff, thank you for your help and for looking after me and my family.

"And of course to the fans, for love, support and criticism which we as a players need to accept and work even harder. I just want to wish you all the best and hope you achieve everything what ever you wish. Once a Gunner always a Gunner. Thank you. Arsenal [love heart emoji]."

Arsenal transfer deadline day twist emerges after Mikel Arteta sparked into hunt after new blow

Transfer deadline day was supposed to be a pretty quiet affair for Arsenal Football Club; however, a twist in the tale has emerged, and suddenly the club is on alert for any potential opportunities, much more so than they were several days before.

An injury suffered by Mikel Merino has sparked the club into action. There is no guarantee that the Gunners will indeed bring any players in before the deadline on February 2; however, there is an understanding that the significance of the situation regarding the Spanish midfielder is serious enough that it has prompted a response.

Currently, Arsenal have 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri on loan with Marseille. Nwaneri is not exactly a like-for-like replacement for Merino, either, who can play as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder, box-to-box and even a defensive midfielder if needed.

Christian Norgaard has been barely utilised this season, while Eberechi Eze’s minutes have not been as prevalent of late. Both could certainly help share the burden of Merino’s absence. football.london understand that the Arsenal became aware of Merino's injury several days ago, although the extended length of time he is expected to miss has only more recently come into frame.

The problem is that the window is not forthcoming with obvious candidates of serious quality at any stage, let alone with mere hours left.

Read more here.

Arsenal see attacker transfer bid rejected

Arsenal have seen a fresh bid for 17-year-old Blackburn Rovers starlet Igor Tyjon rejected.

It's understood the offer was worth in the region of £1million and at this stage, it's unclear whether the Gunners are willing to return to the table for one last bite at the cherry before Monday's 7pm transfer deadline.

The north London club saw multiple proposals - worth over £1m - rejected for the highly-rated prospect last summer as Championship side Rovers were optimistic they would be able to tie Tyjon down to professional terms and fast-track him directly into their first-team squad. However, pending further developments, he now looks poised to quit Ewood Park in the summer for a small compensation fee and in the background, the race for his signature is swiftly beginning to intensify.

Deadline day move 'considered'

Arsenal are considering a late deadline‑day addition following Mikel Merino's injury setback, according to talkSPORT.

He missed Sunday's win over Leeds United with a suspected broken foot. Mikel Arteta confirmed he would be seeing a specialist to determine the severity of the injury.

"He's got an issue in his foot," the Gunners boss said. "It's a bone that's giving him some pain, and we have some exams, we need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out."

Mikel Merino injury

The Spaniard is to undergo surgery, and his injury could be a seminal moment in the window for the Gunners.

"Time to stop now with a foot injury," Merino said. "Sometimes life throws this kind of challenges when is less convenient. Just another opportunity to be strong, resilient and overcome it. We have the best medical team and together we will come back stronger.

"Thank you all, your support means everything to me and I can’t wait to be back on the pitch soon, helping my team and doing what I love."

Welcome

Thanks for joining us on what is set to be a significant day for the Gunners, one way or another. Could a new arrival be on their way? We'll soon now.

Just 12 hours to go.

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