Arsenal draft intriguing 'free transfer plan' and prepare to bid 'strong' in race to land Barcelona target

Arsenal are preparing to return to action this weekend after a weekend off. The Gunners should be well rested after getting their winter break last week, and they need to hit the ground running against Crystal Palace this weekend having fallen behind in the Premier League title race.

Mikel Arteta's men are currently five points behind leaders Liverpool, and they can't afford to fall further behind. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Toney latest

Arsenal have been tipped to take a patient approach in their reported bid to land Brentford frontman Ivan Toney. Toney will cost a huge figure this month, and indeed in the summer, but the Gunners could wait until the forward is out of contract.

“Arsenal could move for a forward, but only if the right name became available," Ben Jacobs told the Done Deal Show. "I still think that they could look very seriously at Ivan Toney in the summer or even on a free in the summer of 2025, but I think they’re very aware they can’t get him in this window for under £100m."

Willian race

In contrast, Arsenal are said to be willing to push hard to sign Palmeiras talent Estavao Willian, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. The 16-year-old is tipped to become a sensation, but he already has a £52million release clause that Arsenal will hope to work around at a later date.

Barcelona are said to be the most attractive club to the youngster, but the Gunners have plenty of time to change his mind. That's because young Brazilian players are not allowed to be snatched away until they are 18 years of age, delaying a transfer until 2025 at the earliest.