ARSENAL have held fresh talks with Brighton over Moises Caicedo, but have been "categorically" told he is not for sale.
The midfielder, who has begged his club to accept the £60m bid, has been given the weekend off and told to stay away from the training ground ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline day.
Elsewhere, Leeds United are reportedly set to complete the signing of Gunners target Weston McKennie from Juventus.
The USA international is believed to be joining the club on loan with an option to buy in the summer.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have reportedly reached an agreement with Gabriel Martinelli over a new bumper contract until 2027.
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- Kostas Lianos
Bolasie on Lokonga
Ex-Everton and Crystal Palace man Yannick Bolasie, who was a team-mate of Albert Sambi Lokonga's at Anderlecht, also defended the Arsenal man after the game at Manchester City.
Bolasie said: "He’s a young player.
"Many people have done this but doesn’t mean he’s being disrespectful, I think people just looking for opportunities to get on his back which I don’t think is fair.
"His qualities will shine through"
- Kostas Lianos
Wright on Lokonga
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has leapt to the defence of Albert Sambi Lokonga after Martin Odegaard appeared frustrated with him during their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
A clip went viral after the match of the Gunners' captain Odegaard furiously gesturing to Lokonga for being out of position.
But Wright was quick to shut down any negative talk about the midfielder during his post-match analysis.
The pundit told ITV: "With someone like Sambi, he needs minutes, he needs to be playing, he needs to be able to understand and be more wary of where he is and what he needs to do and where he needs to be dropping in.
"You’ve got to kind of sense that danger and that’s why he needs the minutes in games of this quality, because that’s where you learn"
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal's midfield chase
Arsenal are in the market for a midfielder after Mohamed Elneny suffered a long term knee injury, leaving Mikel Arteta short of cover, writes SunSport's Jack Rosser.
Thomas Partey was forced off with a knock during Friday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, but initial assessments have shown it is not a serious injury and the club are hopeful the midfielder will be fit for the trip to Everton next weekend.
Should Moises Caicedo remain on the south coast, Arteta may be forced to turn to a move for the Toffees' Andre Onana or Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Despite the good news around Partey, the Gunners only have Albert Sambi Lokonga as cover for their first choice midfielders, with the Belgian yet to prove he is good enough for the club
- Kostas Lianos
Moises Caicedo latest
Brighton told Arsenal that Moises Caicedo is "categorically" not for sale this month and told the midfielder to stay away from training until the transfer window is closed, writes SunSport's Jack Rosser.
The Gunners held further talks with the south coast side yesterday morning where owner Tony Bloom told the Premier League leaders to back off their star man, despite Caicedo publicly declaring that he wants to leave.
The Seagulls rejected a £60million offer from Arsenal on Friday morning, prompting Caicedo, 21, to make clear his desire to leave the club on social media that night.
Both Brighton and Arsenal reacted badly to the post, which was seemingly written by the Ecuador international's new representatives and included a spelling mistake when naming Caicedo's hometown.
Brighton responded by asking their star man to stay away from training until the close of the window on February 1, sitting out today's Cup tie against Liverpool.
The hope is that a few days off will see the midfielder return in the right mindset for the second half of the campaign having missed out on a dream move
- Kostas Lianos
Hec of a move
Sporting Lisbon are eyeing up Barcelona star Hector Bellerin as a replacement for Tottenham target Pedro Porro.
According to The Athletic, Sporting are now "exploring the possibility" of acquiring Bellerin if Porro leaves for Spurs.
The North Londoners are keen to get a £40milion deal over the line for the 23-year-old, although no agreement has yet been reached.
Meanwhile, Bellerin is understood to be "open" to joining the Portuguese giants should such a deal materialise
Credit: Rex - Kostas Lianos
McKennie completes loan
Leeds are set to complete the signing of Weston McKennie from Juventus.
McKennie is believed to be joining the club on loan with an option to buy in the summer.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Yorkshire giants will pay a loan fee of £1million and the option to buy him will cost £29m.
Arsenal had been interested in the midfielder, but the report reveals that Leeds president Andrea Radrizzani was able to make a breakthrough.
Romano tweeted: "Weston McKennie to Leeds, here we go! Understand Leeds will pay €1.2m loan fee — deal will include buy option clause for €33m plus add ons.
"Leeds president Radrizzani unlocked the deal with Juventus in the night. McKennie has agreed personal terms with Leeds"
- Kostas Lianos
Smalling’s transfer request
Roma star Chris Smalling has handed in a transfer request to force a move to Inter Milan.
Smalling, who joined the Giallorossi from Manchester United in 2019, has entered the final six months of his contract.
Although the Serie A giants have offered him a one-year extension, the centre-back has made it clear that he does not want to remain at the Olimpico.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the former England international is eager to move on before the January transfer window slams shut.
And thus, the 33-year-old has submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force a move away
- Kostas Lianos
Keane on Arteta
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has slammed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for making six changes to his team for their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Manchester City.
The Gunners were eliminated after losing 1-0 to City following Nathan Ake's winner.
Keane said: "It's a huge gamble to make so many changes, particularly in the defensive position, the goalkeepers.
"We thought he'd make one or two, but that's such a gamble to make so many changes at the back, especially with the attacking players Man City have got"
- Kostas Lianos
Keane’s Pep talk
Manchester United legend Roy Keane was caught smirking before giving Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola some shock advice after the game against Arsenal.
Keane and the Gunners' hero Ian Wright were puzzled by Guardiola’s blunt interview for Friday’s FA Cup clash.
United’s former hardman left Wright roaring with laughter after giving poker-faced Pep one of the most ironic tips.
ITV’s Gabriel Clarke had asked the Spaniard if he’d be sharing a drink with Mikel Arteta after the fourth-round tie.
But the ex-Barcelona boss shrugged, mumbled a short reply and appeared desperate to dash away – which he promptly did.
Keane said: “I think Pep should smile a bit more – and that’s coming from me”
Watch Roy Keane smirk as Man Utd legend makes cheeky comment about Pep Guardiola after Man City boss’ blunt interview
- Kostas Lianos
Ol too much
Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko appeared to lose his cool with his former Manchester City team-mates after the 1-0 FA Cup defeat.w why.
Nathan Ake scored the winner for Pep Guardiola's side to dump the Gunners out of the fourth round of the cup.
At full-time as Zinchenko was surrounded by his former team-mates, he appeared agitated and emotional.
The full-back tried to break free of Joao Cancelo's grasp after speaking with Riyad Mahrez, and fans aren't sure whether he was happy or angry
Arsenal star Zinchenko appears to be held back by Cancelo while speaking to Man City stars after FA Cup clash
- Kostas Lianos
Partey injury update
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey will have an MRI scan after limping off during Friday's FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.
Arteta said: “He felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks, so he could not continue.
“He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse, so he could not continue. He wasn’t comfortable to continue.
“Obviously tomorrow, the day after he will have to have an MRI scan and see what he has”
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Not for sale
Brighton have this morning told Arsenal that Moises Caicedo is categorically not for sale this month.
The Seagulls rejected Arsenal's £60million offer on Friday and, in further talks this morning, have told the Gunners Caicedo is going nowhere.
On Friday, the midfielder took to social media in an attempt to force a record-breaking transfer.
But Brighton remain adamant that the Ecuador international will not leave before the window closes next week
- Kostas Lianos
Caicedo advised not to train
Brighton have advised Arsenal target Moises Caicedo to stay away from training until the transfer window closes next week, writes SunSport’s Jack Rosser.
Caicedo took to social media to push for a move away from The Amex on Friday night, hours after the Seagulls had rejected a £60million bid from the Gunners.
The midfielder is valued at upwards of £80million and while another bid is expected from north London, owner Tony Bloom is set to reject further offers having already knocked back Chelsea earlier in January.
Brighton do not want to lose the Ecuador international as they push to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history this season.
The Seagulls want Caicedo to use the time off to refocus ahead of what could be an historic end to the season, with Roberto De Zerbi’s team currently sixth in the table
- Kostas Lianos
Man City 1-0 Arsenal
Arsenal have been eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester City.
City defeated the Gunners 1-0 in the fourth round at the Etihad thanks to Nathan Ake's winner.
Ake sealed the win on 64 minutes when Julian Alvarez hit the post and Jack Grealish held on to the ball.
Grealish then found the incoming Ake, who hit Matt Turner's bottom left corner
- Kostas Lianos
Gabriel Martinelli reminder
Gabriel Martinelli has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal which will more than double his current salary, writes SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
Martinelli is set to sign a £180,000-a-week deal to 2027 with the option of an extra 12 months.
Manager Mikel Arteta is delighted to secure the services of the exciting young winger after months of negotiations.
The winger, who currently earns around £70,000-a-week, will become one of the club’s highest paid players after pledging his future to the Gunners for the foreseeable future
Credit: Getty
- Matt Penn
Caicedo MISSES training
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo MISSED training today as he wants to leave the club, according to reports.
Caicedo is the subject of intense interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea and is pushing to leave the club before Tuesday.
- Matt Penn
Caicedo going nowhere
Brighton will not be forced into selling Moises Caicedo despite the midfielder's social media transfer plea, according to reports.
Caicedo, 21, has been linked with a move away from the Amex Stadium since the transfer window opened at the beginning of January.
On Friday he took to Instagram in an attempt to force a record-breaking transfer.
Despite Arsenal's strong interest in signing Caicedo, the Seagulls remain adamant that he will not leave before the window closes next week.
That is according to transfer journalist Alex Crook and TalkSPORT, who have also reported that Brighton officials are expecting a fresh bid from the Gunners.
- Matt Penn
Bumper contract
Gabriel Martinelli has agreed a new long-term Arsenal contract which will more than double his current salary.
The 21-year-old Brazil international is set to sign a £180,000-a-week deal to 2027 with the option of an extra 12 months.
And Mikel Arteta is delighted to secure the services of the exciting young winger after months of negotiations.
Martinelli, who currently earns around £70,000-a-week, will become one of the club’s highest paid players after pledging his future to the Gunners for the foreseeable future.
- Matt Penn
Partey's over
Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey will have an MRI scan after limping off during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.
The Premier League leaders were knocked out of the competition as Nathan Ake sealed a 1-0 win for their closest title rivals.
Partey was taken off at the break and replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Arteta said: “He felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks, so he could not continue.
“He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse, so he could not continue. He wasn’t comfortable to continue.
“Obviously tomorrow, the day after he will have to have an MRI scan and see what he has.”
- Tony Robertson
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Premier League rivals Manchester City.
City defeated the Gunners 1-0 in the fourth round at the Etihad thanks to Nathan Ake's winner.
Ake sealed the win on 64 minutes when Julian Alvarez hit the post and Jack Grealish held onto the ball before picking the incoming defender up.
Meanwhile, Brighton star Moises Caicedo has issued a very enigmatic tweet suggesting he is leaving the club for a record fee amid interest from Arsenal.
Caicedo tweeted: “I am grateful to Mr. [Tony] Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
“I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador.
“My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador. I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
And Gabriel Martinelli has agreed a new long-term Arsenal contract which will more than double his current salary, writes SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
Matinelli will make £180,000 per week in a deal that will see him stay until 2027 with the option of an extra 12 months.
And manager Mikel Arteta is delighted to secure the services of the exciting young winger after months of negotiations.
The winger, who currently earns around £70,000 per week, will become one of the club’s highest-paid players after pledging his future to the Gunners for the foreseeable future.
Finally, Arsenal are still understood to be the frontrunners for West Ham star Declan Rice.
It has even been claimed that Rice has “given his word” to the Gunners.
The midfielder is in the final year of his contract this summer amid interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
Chelsea and possibly Manchester United as well as City could also be interested in the £80m-rated star.
According to El Nacional, the England international has told the North Londoners he will join them at the end of the season – however, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a long-time admirer.
- Kostas Lianos
Moises Caicedo’s enigmatic post
Brighton star Moises Caicedo has issued a very enigmatic tweet suggesting he is leaving the club for a record fee amid interest from Arsenal.
Caicedo tweeted: “I am grateful to Mr. [Tony] Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
“I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador.
“My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador. I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity”
- Kostas Lianos
FT: Man City 1-0 Arsenal
Arsenal have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City.
City beat the Gunners 1-0 in the fourth round at the Etihad thanks to Nathan Ake's winner.
Ake sealed the win on 64 minutes when Julian Alvarez hit the post and Jack Grealish picked the rebound before setting the defender up.
You can catch up with all the reaction in SunSport’s live blog HERE
- Kostas Lianos
Man City 1-0 Arsenal
Manchester City have opened the scoring in their FA Cup fourth round clash at the Etihad.
Ansd it's Nathan Ake who breaks the deadlock after 64 minutes.
Julian Alvarez hit the post and Jack Grealish picked the rebound before setting Ake up.
You can follow all the action in SunSport’s live blog HERE
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Ibrahima Bamba targeted
Vitoria Guimaraes star Ibrahima Bamba could be Arsenal’s third January signing.
The Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta admits he wants more cover in midfield.
And Bamba, 20, is enjoying a breakthrough season in the Portuguese top flight.
Arteta only has Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga available for the middle of the park
- Kostas Lianos
HT: Man City 0-0 Arsenal
Half-time at the Etihad and it's all goalless between Manchester City and Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
All is still open ahead of what promises to be a smashing second half.
City lost John Stones to an injury in the first half and was replaced by Aymeric Laporte.
You can follow all the action in SunSport’s live blog HERE
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