Arsenal transfer news: Ivan Toney £34m alternative found as Man Utd battle expected

Arsenal's FA Cup campaign starts on Sunday - giving Mikel Arteta's side a much-needed break from the Premier League.

The Gunners sat at the top of the table on Christmas Day but finished 2023 in fourth after consecutive defeats to West Ham and Fulham. Their next Premier League game against Crystal Palace at the Emirates isn't until January 20 thanks to the winter break. Although Arsenal aren't in league action for a while, they do have a daunting home FA Cup tie against Liverpool to contend with. Both teams are expected to rest players for the clash.

With Arsenal struggling to pick up results in the Premier League, manager Mikel Arteta could dip into the transfer market this month. But who is the Spaniard interested in signing? Here are the latest transfer headlines from the Emirates...

Arsenal would love to sign a striker this month, but a deal for Ivan Toney seems unlikely. Brentford are determined to keep hold of the England international, 27, after losing Bryan Mbeumo to a serious ankle injury and Yoane Wissa to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Gunners may need to offer a huge transfer fee, perhaps more than £100million, to persuade Brentford to sell Toney. That's simply not going to happen, with the player in the final 18 months of his contract. Arsenal are now considering their options.

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface. The Nigeria international, 23, has scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 23 games this season. He's valued at £34.7m by Transfermarkt.

Leverkusen will demand a lot more for Boniface. Xabi Alonso's side are trying to end Bayern Munich's dominance in Germany and must keep their best players. Leverkusen are four points clear of Bayern