Arsenal news LIVE: Gunners tipped to win £100m Toney race with Chelsea, Partey’s progress, Arteta AVOIDS ban

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Nketiah 'excited' by tough schedule

Eddie Nketiah believes Arsenal's season will only get tougher.

The second-placed Gunners host Brighton in the Prem on Sunday after reaching the Champions League KO stages.

Nketeiah, who is vying with Gabriel Jesus for a place up front said: “It is tough, but exciting.

"There is going to be a lot of games and hopefully a lot of minutes to go around. You just have to be ready.

“There is no point being in a competition if you don’t dream to win. We have the quality to do so and we are pushing every day to win every tournament that we enter and play in.

“That’s our aim and that’s the aim of the club. That’s what the fans want and we are working every day to try and achieve that dream.”

Gunners revving up for Leonardo bid

Speculation on Arsenal moving for Santos striker Marcos Leonardo is hotting up.

Goal Brasil expect the Gunners to move for the 20-year-old in January.

And Santos dropping to the second tier for the first time in their 111-year history could make the Under-20 international available for less than the £12.8million Roma offered last summer.

Goal Brasil even claim Arsenal are "aware" the Brazilians have "promised" to negotiate selling Leonardo in the next transfer window.

Gunners tipped to win '£100m race with Chelsea'

Ivan Toney would "prefer" to join Arsenal ahead of Chelsea in a January transfer battle fetching up to £100million.

That's the verdict of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Brentford's England striker, 27, can resume Prem action when his ban ends next month.

And although he's been valued at £80m-plus, Romano reckons any deal could soar beyond that sum.

He also claims Toney is "very excited" by the possibility of switching across London to the Emirates.

Red Devils warned against move for ex-Arsenal kid

Manchester United have been warned against signing Borussia Dortmund's ex-Arsenal kid Donyell Malen.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a swoop for the 24-year-old Holland striker this month.

Dortmund are reportedly willing to include Malen in a swap deal for Jadon Sancho, who is expected to leave Old Trafford in January.

However, ex-United striker Dwight Yorke has urged his former club against signing him.

Yorke told Instant Casino: "I’ve not seen much of Donyell Malen, but I know he’s scored a few goals in the Bundesliga.

"I haven’t seen enough of him to make a judgement on him, but he seems to be an alright player.

"United can’t waste money signing players who won’t improve the squad. I’m an aspiring coach, and that’s the first thing I take into consideration before I sign anyone.

"If this player doesn’t raise the level of the position he’s playing in, then the team will continue on the same path.

Malen left Arsenal to join PSV Eindhoven at the age of 18 in 2017, joining Dortmund three years later.

Kiwior exit claims dismissed

Claims in Italy that Arsenal are happy to offload Jakub Kiwior have met with widespread scepticism.

 Forza Roma say intermediaries have offered the Poland centre-back to AS Roma.

They suggest an "offer arrived recently from London" about the ex-Spezia star which Roma found "tempting".

Arsenal only bought the 23-year-old in January this year for around £21.5million.

And injury-hit AC Milan have been linked with a loan approach for Kiwior.

But most reports have insisted the Gunners still have faith in his development - and that, at the very least, a January departure is unlikely.

Gunners 'make contact over Osimhen'

Arsenal have reportedly stolen a march on Chelsea and Liverpool over strike target Victor Osimhen.

The Gunners are said to have made contact with the Napoli star's agent Roberto Calenda.

That's despite Italian outlet CalcioNapoli24 suggesting the Nigeria hero could agreed a new contract with his Serie A club.

Any such extended deal could send his release clause soaring to around £112million - £7m more than the club record fee Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice last summer.

Gunners' frontmen  Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have struggled for goals this season.

Vermeeren rated at £17m

Royal Antwerp’s 18-year-old midfielder Arthur Vermeeren is reportedly being watched by Arsenal, Tottenham, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.

It's claimed the twice-capped Belgian could move on for around £17million in January.

Vermeeren strengthened his reputation with a second-minute opener in Wednesday's 3-2 Champions League defeat of Barca.

Arteta on De Zerbi passion

Mikel Arteta has also admitted that he enjoys seeing Roberto De Zerbi's passion on the touchline.

He said: "We live the game as we feel it. When I was a player, it was very similar.

"Everybody has their own way of being, talking and communicating. I think it’s great.

"As long as we’re genuine, I think that’s great."

Arteta on De Zerbi

Mikel Arteta has hailed Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the clash against Brighton this weekend.

He said: "I know him and have spoken to him a few times about different topics.

"I’ve followed his career since he was at Sassuolo, before he moved to Ukraine.

"It’s very impressive what he’s done, the way his teams play and what he’s accomplished in the Premier League as well."

Arsenal legend worried about front three

Thierry Henry has questioned The Gunners’ title credentials with their current front three.

The Arsenal legend does not feel that Saka, Jesus and Martinelli have enough goals in them to match their rivals.

Henry, now coach of France under-23s, feels that the likes of Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham all have more goals in them up top.

He said: "If they stay at the same pace, then it’s going to be difficult to win the Premier League.

"You need to find a way to score goals and kill teams. I hope as an Arsenal fan, they can reach that level."

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Arteta on Xmas period

Mikel Arteta has insisted that he enjoys the Christmas period and is looking forward to spending time with his family.

I really like it. It gives us the opportunity to bring family over.

When I was in Spain, it was a bit different.

I’ve had incredible memories when I was a player and right now, as a manager as well.

This year is very rare because we’re going to have the 24th and the 25th without a training session, which is extremely bizarre.

But it will be good to spend time with my family.

I have young kids and they are super excited about Christmas.

Mikel Arteta

Arteta on facing Brighton

Mikel Arteta has spoke about the prospect of facing Brighton this weekend.

He said: "They are a really good side.

"Last year when we had the game under control was when we conceded a goal and then the game completely broke up and we struggled, especially in the last 15 minutes of the game so we have to play better and be very efficient, which is key against them.

"It was a tough day, losing at home and the way we did it with the last goals we conceded.

"It was painful. It was like the dream was almost over - not mathematically, but a big part of it. It was a really tough day."

Defender offered Arsenal exit

Villarreal are interested in Arsenal star Cedric Soares, according to reports.

The 32-year-old has been on the Spanish club's radar since the summer and they are planning a January move.

A loan deal for the rest of the season and a permanent transfer have both been discussed with Villarreal.

GUNNER LEAVE

Arsenal forgotten man 'offered January escape route' by Spanish side

Arsenal’s top performers this season

Bukayo Saka has proved to be Arsenal's top performer this season as he has provided the most goals and assists in the Premier League.

All you need to know: Arsenal v Brighton

When is Arsenal vs Brighton?

• Arsenal's huge Premier League fixture against Brighton will take place on Sunday, December 17.
• It is scheduled to get underway at 2pm GMT.
• Emirates is the chosen venue for this match and it can host approximately 60,704 fans.
• The Seagulls ran riot in north London when the sides last met in May.

How can I watch it?

• Unfortunately, Arsenal vs Brighton will NOT be shown on live TV in the UK.
• This is due to it not being selected as a game that TV channels would cover.
• However, fans can tune into SunSport's live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

ARSENAL VS BRIGHTON

Gunners look to leapfrog league leaders Liverpool in huge Prem match

Arteta doubles down on Newcastle comments

Mikel Arteta has doubled down on his comments regarding the Newcastle game after he was cleared of an FA charge.

The Arsenal boss praised the process that went on to come to a decision but insisted that he stands by what he said.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference today, he said: "In life that’s too easy. What would I have done if I knew

"It was done. I defended my opinion. I’m fully supportive of how we have to improve the game.

"We have the duty to do that. It’s good to discuss things in an open way."

Arteta reacts to FA charge dismissal

Mikel Arteta has given his thoughts on his FA charge being dismissed earlier this week.

Speaking in today's press conference, he said: "It has to be. I think it was a really good, well-run process.

"It gave [us] the opportunity for both of us to say how we felt. I think we have to draw a line now and look at how we can be more constructive.

"I felt a lot of sympathy to be fair as I explained the pressure we feel as managers and how important details are."