ARSENAL are stepping up their pursuit for Brentford talisman Ivan Toney according to reports.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice was forced off at half-time in the draw with Tottenham due to a back injury, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The Gunners boss revealed a worrying update from Rice after the player revealed his discomfort.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a shock £60million move to Chelsea.
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Follow ALL of the latest from the Emirates Stadium below…
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By Kostas Lianos
Ivan Toney swap
Arsenal are set to offer Eddie Nketiah for Brentford star Ivan Toney in a swap deal ahead of the January transfer window.
Toney has returned to training after serving half of his eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules and will be allowed back to action in January.
According to The Mirror, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is eyeing a move for the striker, who could cost a minimum £60million.
As per the same report, it remains to be seen whether Nketiah will be put in as part the deal.
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By Kostas Lianos
Saka injury blow
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is a doubt ahead of the upcoming games against Brentford and Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup and Premier League respectively this week.
Saka limped out towards the end of the North London Derby against Tottenham at the Emirates and was replaced by Emile Smith Rowe after a foot injury.
He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field.
He hasn’t been able to participate in the session. It’s a possibility [he could miss Bournemouth].
Mikel Arteta
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By Kostas Lianos
Got to Jo
Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo's ugly exit from the Etihad has been explained with the release of new details of his row with manager Pep Guardiola.
Cancelo spent the second half of last season at Bayern Munich on loan before sealing another temporary move to Barcelona.
According to Catalunya Radio, the full-back's feud with Guardiola stems from City's loss to Manchester United in January.
The Spanish tactician went on to make changes for his side's next match, including dropping Cancelo for Rico Lewis.
When the Citizens bounced back with a win, Lewis kept his place, which continued after another victory in their next game.
As a result, the Portugal international was benched for a third match in a row as the eventual Treble winners faced Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round.
The report adds that the 29-year-old was unhappy with this and spoke about the situation with some of his team-mates.
Guardiola is said to have been enraged after learning of this and requesting a new club was found for Cancelo after the clash with the Gunners, which City won.
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By Kostas Lianos
Ramsdale not in a rush
Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsdale is in “no rush” to make a decision regarding his future after being axed from Mikel Arteta's starting line-up.
Speculation has arisen that Chelsea are plotting a swoop to bring Ramsdale across the capital during the January transfer window.
However, TalkSPORT report that “he will not rush into a decision” regarding a possible move.
The England international, who penned a new five-year contract in the summer, “is understood to be settled at Arsenal” and he is “ready to try and fight to win back his place”.
The North Londoners would be open to a £60million deal for the goalkeeper, who has been replaced by David Raya in the starting XI.
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By Kostas Lianos
Declan Rice fitness boost
Arsenal superstar Declan Rice is expected to be fit for Saturday's Premier League trip to Bournemouth
Rice, who cost the Gunners a record £105million during the summer transfer window, was taken off with a back problem during Sunday's 2-2 home draw with Tottenham.
But the North Londoners' medics have said the midfielder is not seriously injured.
But the England international is unlikely to feature on Wednesday's Carabao Cup trip to Brentford.
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By Kostas Lianos
Arsenal step up Toney bid
Arsenal are stepping up their bid for Brentford star Ivan Toney ahead of the January transfer window.
According to The Mirror, the Bees rate Toney at £60million and won't agree to a deal unless their asking price is met.
The striker has returned to training after serving half of his eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules and will be allowed back to action in January.
The Gunners considered a summer swoop for the England international before his suspension.
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By Tony Robertson
Clubs 'queueing up' for Ramsdale transfer
There will be no shortage of transfer interest for Aaron Ramsdale should he decide to try and leave Arsenal in January, reports suggest.
After losing his No1 spot, Ramsdale may seek a move away from the Emirates to protect his place in the England team.
Football Insider claim that the 25-year-old is not willing to play second fiddle.
The report states a number of clubs are lining up should Ramsdale request to leave.
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By Tony Robertson
Arsenal could exploit Carabao Cup loophole
David Raya is available to face Brentford in Wednesday's Carabao Cup despite only being on loan from the Bees.
The goalie can't play them in the Premier League.
A loophole does exist where if both clubs agree, the embargo does not count for cup competitions.
And talkSPORT claim Brentford have agreed that Raya can feature in the League Cup for Arsenal.
UP FOR THE CUP Arsenal can capitalise on little-known Carabao Cup loophole at Brentford
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By Tony Robertson
Arsenal icon backs Neville claim on Gunners title chances
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has backed the Gunners to win the title, echoing comments made by Gary Neville before the 2-2 with Spurs.
Man Utd icon Neville revealed he believed Arsenal would win the title with an "ambitious prediction".
Now, Parlour has backed this sentiment, telling Mighty Tips via Football.London: "I think Arsenal have every chance.
"Last year they came close, but there were a couple of bad mistakes from an Arsenal point of view. The West Ham game, 2-0 up, and ended up drawing. Liverpool, 2-0 up…
“They’ve just got to see games out a little bit more. But Fulham was similar this season if I'm being honest.
"2-1 up with 10 men, and they conceded, and that could be two big points. Every point is so important in the Premier League."
“I played against Man United teams that didn’t drop points regularly. You’ve always got to keep putting pressure on the opposition. I certainly think they have the squad for it.
"I can see why Man City are favourites to win it again because of the squad they have.
"But I can see why the bookmakers probably position Arsenal as second favourites because they pushed them last year.
"They've just got to learn from their mistakes. But they're certainly capable of winning the league."
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By Tony Robertson
Possible line up vs Brentford
Mikel Arteta may ring the changes with a rotated starting xi against Brentford on Wednesday.
Due to injuries to the attack which has left both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli out, Arteta may opt to rest the front line which started against Spurs.
This could mean Emile Smith Rowe can return to the xi, while Kai Havertz can fill in up front with Reiss Nelson off the right.
In midfield, Jorginho may start despite his costly error.
He will be supported by Mo Elneny and Fabio Vieira, who will be the team's main creator in the absence of a rested Martin Odegaard.
William Saliba may keep his place as the rest of the back line is changed, including former No1 goalie Aaron Ramsdale.
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By Tony Robertson
Academy stars in line for minutes?
Academy stars are often given the chance to prove themselves in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup.
Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Karl Hein have all made their debuts in the competition, so could Mikel Arteta do the same tonight?
Lino Sousa, 18, was registered in Arsenal's Champions League squad, so it stands to reason he may be given a first-team chance or two this season.
Amario Cozier-Duberry is another notable from Hale End, given he was the only star to join the Gunners US tour this summer.
Reuell Walters is another name who could be handed a chance. He was on the club's pre-season tour last season.
Academy product Emile Smith Rowe could also return to the starting xi, though he is recognised as a senior player at this stage.
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By Tony Robertson
Carabao Cup fourth-round draw details
Should Arsenal defeat Brentford tomorrow night, they will enter the draw for the League Cup fourth round.
So when is it and where can you watch it?
When is the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw?
- The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw will take place on Wednesday, September 27.
- It is scheduled to get underway immediately after Newcastle’s mouthwatering match against Manchester City concludes which kicks off at 8pm BST.
- Ball numbers will be confirmed before the draw begins.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Fans can watch the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw LIVE on Sky Sports Football.
- NOW TV members will also be able to stream the entire draw live through the NOW TV app.
- Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s blog for the fourth round draw which includes post-draw reaction.
CUP FOR IT All info for Carabao Cup fourth round draw as teams look to avoid Prem big guns
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By Tony Robertson
Ramsdale responds to Carragher
Aaron Ramsdale has offered a thinly-veiled response to Jamie Carragher after he took aim at the goalkeeper's clapping after a David Raya save against Tottenham.
Ramsdale's reaction to the save went viral as he held his hands high above his head and clapped.
In response, Carragher told Sky Sports: "I thought it was like the Oscars, you know when someone loses the Oscar and they start clapping and smiling for the other person.
"I was laughing when I saw that. He's absolutely devastated with that really."
However, Ramsdale took to his Instagram story to share an image of his time on the bench in place of Mark Travers at previous club Bournemouth.
In the image, Ramsdale can be seen celebrating with team-mates while wearing a sub's bib, seemingly to show his clapping was genuine.
Brentford vs Arsenal: All you need to know
Here are all the details for Arsenal's visit to Brentford in the League Cup tomorrow.
When is Brentford vs Arsenal?
- Arsenal's Carabao Cup third-round trip to Brentford will take place on Wednesday, September 27.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 7:45pm BST.
- Gtech Community Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 17,250 fans.
- Ivan Toney's 74th-minute strike forced both teams to share the spoils when they last met in February.
Is Brentford vs Arsenal on TV?
- Unfortunately, Brentford vs Arsenal will NOT be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
- This match has not been selected for live TV coverage in the UK on either Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
- However, fans can tune into SunSport's blog which will bring you live minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.
BRENTFORD VS ARSENAL Gunners look to bounce back from Spurs draw in huge Carabao Cup clash
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By Tony Robertson
Carragher delivers Arsenal title verdict
Arsenal do not have what it takes to win the Premier League this season, according to Jamie Carragher.
Following their 2-2 draw with Spurs last weekend, Carragher delivered a damning verdict on the Gunners – and Liverpool's – title credentials.
He said to Sky Sports: "I do fear about the Premier League, I could see Man City winning it by 10 points.
"It’s a real worry because they have started so well and they usually don’t.
"On the back of winning the Champions League, we are watching one of the best teams we have ever seen.
“Kevin De Bruyne is out and they’ve won every game, they’ve not missed him at all. Liverpool and Arsenal are still short in a couple of areas compared to Man City."
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By Tony Robertson
Merson tell Arsenal to sign Toney in January
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has told Arsenal to sign Ivan Toney if they want to win the Premier League.
Speaking on Sky Sports following the North London derby, Merson reaffirmed his stance on striker duo Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus.
He then declared the Gunners need a "proper centre forward" if they are to go to the next level.
He said: "I've always said it from day one – Eddie Nketiah is not going to win you the Premier League.
"You need a proper centre forward. I'm not blaming Nketiah because they drew 2-2 with Tottenham but with 32 games to go and all the Champions League games they have to play, I don't think he takes them to the next level.
"I don't even think Gabriel Jesus takes them to the next level."
He continued: "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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By Tony Robertson
Arsenal to have five key stars missing for Brentford clash
Arsenal are set to be without five of their first-team stars for their League Cup against Brentford tomorrow.
Declan Rice is the latest star to pay a visit to the medical room after sustaining a back injury in the North London derby.
However, he – along with Leandro Trossard – is expected to return for their Premier League match next weekend.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli is ruled out until at least next month along with Thomas Partey.
Jurrien Timber is a long-term absentee, while Mo Elneny could play his first minutes of the season in midweek after making the bench against Spurs on Sunday.
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By Ian Tuckey
Prem clubs are all Rover teen ace Adam
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly targeting Blackburn midfielder Adam Wharton
Chelsea and Spurs are also said to be eyeing the 19-year-old.
TEAMtalk suggest United are the latest club monitoring the anchorman.
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By Ian Tuckey
Pav a look at France star
Manchester United have been urged to consider targeting Benjamin Pavard – even though the centre-back only left Bayern Munich for Inter Milan last month.
Arsenal were also linked with the France star, 27, over the summer.
But strike legend Dwight Yorke believes the former Stuttgart ace would be a “good signing” for his old club United.
Yorke told OLBG: “He had an unbelievable World Cup win in 2018, but he has gone a bit quiet since.
"Pavard needs a fresh start, a new chapter after being at a massive club like Bayern Munich for years.
“Pavard would be a good acquisition… I’m sure Ten Hag has done his research on Pavard.
“He’s had experience playing at one of the top clubs in Europe, so coming to Man United should not be an issue for him.”
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By Ian Tuckey
Rice fitness boost
Declan Rice is expected to be fit for Saturday'sPrem trip to Bournemouth
The £105million summer recruit from West Ham was taken off with a back problem in Sunday's 2-2 home draw with Tottenham.
But club medics say the England midfielder is not seriously injured
But he is unlikely to feature in tomorrow's Wednesday's Carabao Cup trip to Brentford.
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By Ian Tuckey
Nev hails Odegaard
Manchester United legend Gary Neville rates Martin Odegaard as Arsenal’s most dangerous player.
Neville reckons the Gunners’ skipper is beginning to match two Manchester City stars past and present – David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne – for pure brilliance.
England winger Bukayo Saka was generally considered Arsenal’s main man last season as the Prem runners-up just lost out to Treble winners City.
But Nev told Sky Sports: “Odegaard I said last week, he’s getting to that special level where I think that he’s starting to talk about Silva and De Bruyne as the most beautiful football players I’ve watched, so silky and smooth.
“Odegaard’s getting to that type of level where he’s just brilliant to watch, he’s an outstanding player.”
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By Ian Tuckey
Ex-Arsenal target Pavard 'good for United'
Manchester United have been urged to consider targeting Benjamin Pavard – even though the centre-back only left Bayern Munich for Inter Milan last month.
Arsenal were also linked with the France star, 27, over the summer.
But strike legend Dwight Yorke believes the former Stuttgart ace would be a "good signing" for his old club United.
Yorke told OLBG: “"He had an unbelievable World Cup win in 2018, but he has gone a bit quiet since.
Pavard needs a fresh start, a new chapter after being at a massive club like Bayern Munich for years.
"Pavard would be a good acquisition… I'm sure Ten Hag has done his research on Pavard.
"He's had experience playing at one of the top clubs in Europe, so coming to Man United should not be an issue for him."
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By Ian Tuckey
United and Arsenal in queue for Wharton
Manchester United and Arsenal are regarded as among Adam Wharton's main admirers as the 19-year-old shines for Blackburn.
Chelsea and Tottenham are also reportedly keen on the midfielder.
TEAMtalk say United are the latest club monitoring the anchorman, who has played nine times for hometown club Rovers this season.
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By Ian Tuckey
Smith Rowe & Kiwior tipped to start
Mikel Arteta is expected to hand starts to Emile Smith Rowe and Jakub Kiwior in Arsenal's Carabao Cup trip to Brentford on Wednesday.
And keeper Aaron Ramsdale is likely to return in place of David Raya in goal.
Emile Smith Rowe faces a tough job earning more action in the Prem as the Gunnners have an array of attacking options in midfield.
And Kiwior is behind Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White in Arsenal's list of central defenders – although the latter is currently operating at right-back due to Jurrien Timber's injury.
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By Ian Tuckey
Nev surprised Martin became skipper
Mikel Arteta choosing Martin Odegaard as captain stunned Gary Neville.
But – also like everyone else – he can only applaud how it's turned out.
The former Old Trafford defender told Sky Sports: “I was surprised like everybody else maybe that he was named captain of Arsenal 18 months ago whenever it was.
“I was thinking, he doesn’t look like a captain but what he does do out of the pitch is he takes the ball, he’s courageous, he takes the ball in difficult situations.
“I always think he’s Arsenal’s most dangerous player, get the ball as much as you possibly can to him and you’ll have a problem if you’re the opposition.
“Well done to Arsenal, well done to Mikel Arteta as some of his decisions over the last couple of years, I’ve doubted myself but they’ve been really good ones.”
Source: Read Full Article
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By Tony Robertson
