Arsenal are set to step up their interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to reports. Mikel Arteta is said to be a long-term admirer of the banned star and could make a move in the January transfer window.
Arsenal have two recognised strikers on their books in Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. However, neither have been prolific in front of goal and struggled in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
They both have just two goals to their name so far this season. Jesus has struggled with injury problems during his year-and-a-bit in north London and again missed the start of this campaign with a recurrence of a knee problem.
Toney is in the middle of serving an eight-month ban for breaching The FA’s betting rules. But he is back training at Brentford and could be on the move in January.
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Ivan Toney banned for eight months over betting breaches
Toney will be free to play again on January 16 and clubs are looking at a winter deal. The Mirror claims the 27-year-old is firmly in the sights of Arsenal.
It is reported that Arteta knows he needs to sign a proven goalscorer in order to bolster his side’s title challenge. He also wants to add a physical presence up top and Toney would provide that.
Brentford are willing to sell Toney but only at the right price. It is claimed the Bees have a price they will not sell below which is thought to be at least £60million.
Arsenal spent over £210m on new signings in the summer so it is uncertain whether they have the financial power to pull off the deal. The Mirror says it remains to be seen whether Nketiah could move to Brentford as part of the transfer.
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The report claims Arsenal have long been interested in Toney and could have moved for him in the summer if he was not suspended. Toney wants to leave Brentford for a bigger club and has indicated he will not sign an extension to his contract that expires in 2025.
Arsenal are not the only team in London interested in signing Toney. Chelsea’s woes in front of goal have continued this season and they are keeping an eye on the forward’s situation.
Tottenham are also tracking Toney following the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in the summer. Manchester United are said to have shown an interest before signing Rasmus Hojlund.
Arsenal are pushing to be at the front of the queue and beat their rivals to his signature. Toney has scored 32 goals in 66 league matches since Brentford’s promotion in 2021.
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