Mikel Arteta makes firm Ivan Toney statement amid Arsenal transfer pursuit
Arsenal's Premier League title charge stalled once again on Sunday, but now the Gunners can focus on the Carabao Cup.
Mikel Arteta takes his injury-hit side to Brentford on Wednesday, aiming to reach the fourth round. The Gunners were dumped out at the third-round stage last season and despite Arteta dealing with a growing list of absentees, the Spaniard has his sights sets on going deeper into the competition this time around.
The cup clash brings up a popular topic at Arsenal, too, as Brentford are still without star striker Ivan Toney. Mirror Football understands that the Gunners are ready to step up their interest in the 27-year-old and Arteta's been put on the spot about him.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
Arteta responds to Toney talk
Mikel Arteta insists that Arsenal currently aren't thinking about signing a striker in January, despite strong reports linking them with a move for Brentford's Ivan Toney. Still suspended after admitting to 232 breaches of the FA's gambling rules, Toney will be available to play again in 2024, and the Gunners - alongside Chelsea and Tottenham - have been tipped to sign him.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
But Arteta has poured cold water on the speculation, saying ahead of Arsenal's trip to face Brentford: "We're not thinking at all about that. We have really good players up front. It's true we have some injuries, but we will continue with the players that we've got that's for sure."
Have your say! How should Arsenal line up against Brentford? Let us know in the comments section.
Ivan Toney is yet to play this season because of an FA ban (Getty Images)Injury list up to six
Arsenal now have six first-team players in the treatment room, Mikel Arteta has confirmed. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are all sidelined, reducing the Gunners' options in defence, midfield and attack.
"It's a long list," Arteta bemoaned in his pre-match press conference. "It's the situation that we have at moment we have to adapt. The squad we have at the moment is really short and we have to cope."
More injury updates from Arteta HERE.
Merson doubts Jesus and Nketiah credentials
Paul Merson says that both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah aren't at the level required to win Arsenal the Premier League title, suggesting the Gunners should bring in Ivan Toney. "I've always said it from day one - Eddie Nketiah is not going to win you the Premier League," Merson told Sky Sports. "I don't even think Gabriel Jesus takes them to the next level.
"It's alright sitting there and thinking, 'They need a centre forward' - but who is there? Only Ivan Toney is available for them in January - there aren't many centre forwards around in the world. They're a dying breed."
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