Arsenal news LIVE: Arteta is considering a move for 17-year-old Ivan Toney BLOW
Free man is no longer a free man
Ex-Arsenal whiz Luke Freeman dreamed of a return to Prem last spring, but after five months without a club the winger has joined National League Barnet.
Freeman, 31, was rated as a “very interesting prospect” by then Gunners boss Arsene Wenger when he was a starlet at the academy from 2008 to 2012.
But Freeman never made it at the Emirates – and after several transfers, he was at Luton Town last season.
However, the Hatters released the ex-Stevenage, Bristol City and QPR ace after winning promotion to the Prem in the play-offs.
Freeman has finally found another club – and Barnet are third in the fifth tier, with a play-off spot of their own likely, albeit for an EFL place.
Soares could move NEXT WEEK
Galatasaray target Cedric Soares could leave Arsenal next week.
That's because the Turkish transfer deadline is February 9 and the left-back is reportedly wanted by three Super Lig clubs.
The former Portugal and Southampton star, 32, is now in the final six months of his contract with the Gunners, worth around £75,000 a week.
ESPN say that Galatasaray, Besiktas and Trabzonspor are interested in the ex-Sporting Lisbon star.
Arsenal stars wish Ibrahim the best of luck
Bradley Ibrahim's former Arsenal teammates have taken to social media to wish him well following his move to Hertha Berlin.
Midfielder Ibrahim, 19, received a permanent transfer.
Both Ethan Nwaneri, 16, and 17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly said on Instagram: “Good luck bro!”
And right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy, 20, posted: “Go rip it brother!”
'Toney stays'
Ivan Toney – long linked with Arsenal and Chelsea – is set to stay at Brentford this month.
That is the opinion of the man who should know best: Bees' boss Thomas Frank.
The Dane says Brentford are looking for new players, but believes a deal today is unlikely.
And of his star man, he said: “Ivan Toney will stay.”
Prem giants pushed to sign Watkins
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been urged to target Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The 28-year-old Englishman with nine caps has scored fifteen goals and ten assists in all competitions this season.
And ex-Stamford Bridge defender Mario Melchiot rates Watkins as perfect for one of the traditional Prem giants.
Melchiot told Ladbrokes Fanzone exclusively: “If I had to take an Aston Villa player out of that team and put him in Chelsea, I want goals, so my first thought would be Ollie Watkins.
“Top teams may have overlooked him in the past because there is always an obsession with signing players who come in and get started straight away, while Watkins needs some time to really find his feet.
But if you look at three good Premier League clubs, namely Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, and ask what they all need at the moment, the answer is the same: a striker. A goalscorer. And Ollie Watkins could be just that.
Shooters confirm Ibrahim's final departure
Arsenal have confirmed that midfielder Bradley Ibrahim has joined German second division club Hertha Berlin on a permanent deal.
The 19-year-old made two appearances on the bench in the Gunners' Europa League games last season and was also a substitute at home to Burnley in the Prem two months ago.
The England youth star and former Arsenal Under-18 captain had been at the Emirates Stadium since September 2017.