Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is already casting his eye towards a potential January acquisition, with striker Ivan Toney emerging as a prime target.
Brentford’s star forward is being seen as the solution to bolster the Gunners’ offensive firepower, a deficiency that became glaringly apparent during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against arch-rivals Tottenham. Arsenal is in dire need of a bona fide No. 9.
Presently serving a suspension until the New Year due to a breach of The FA’s stringent betting regulations, the 27-year-old Toney is set to become eligible for play by mid-January. Reports from The Mirror indicate that Arsenal is intensifying its interest in securing his services.
Premier League outfit Brentford appears open to selling, even during the mid-season transfer window upon Toney’s return. It is understood that Thomas Frank’s side will demand a minimum of £60 million from any potential suitors, and Arsenal isn’t the sole club monitoring the England international Toney.
Toney is already back in training, having served half of his eight-month suspension. He was also spotted at the Gtech Community Stadium, watching his teammates endure an unexpected 3-1 loss to Everton.
Toney has been with Brentford since 2020 and has thrived in west London, aiding in their promotion from the Championship and demonstrating his ability to score consistently in the Premier League. His outstanding performances last season even earned him his inaugural England cap before the suspension.
Chelsea and Tottenham have been monitoring his progress in the Premier League, but it’s Arsenal, their London rivals, who are making a concerted push to secure his signature in January. At Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus has grappled with injuries since arriving from Manchester City, and Toney could be viewed as an upgrade over Eddie Nketiah.
The extent of Toney’s readiness for action in 2024 remains uncertain, given his absence from competitive football since April. Nevertheless, his return to training with Brentford’s first team should expedite his return to match fitness when he becomes available to play again.
Looking ahead to 2024, Toney is set on a move, and he has communicated to his manager, Frank, that he won’t ink a new contract, as his current deal is set to expire in under two years.
While he holds a lifelong affinity for Liverpool, Toney also expressed his admiration for Arsenal in a recent interview with Steven Bartlett. On the ‘Diary of a CEO’ podcast, he said, “I’ve enjoyed watching Arsenal play, the style and the passion of their fans. But yeah, I’m a Liverpool fan, a Liverpool lad at heart.”
Arteta may view this as an opportunity to entice the striker to join Arsenal, reminiscent of his successful pursuit of Toney’s international teammate Declan Rice earlier this year.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney
This season he played in total 33 times for 2955 minutes for Carabao Cup.
Ivan Toney scored 19 goals for Brentford. He procured 3 assists. He received 6 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 9th in Carabao Cup. In the last match Brentford lost 3-1 against Everton.
Brentford performance and stats
Brentford is currently in the Carabao Cup with points.
It has a even goal difference after scoring goals and conceding .
Brentford will play the next match in Carabao Cup against Arsenal on Wednesday 27th of September in Brentford. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.
Arsenal performance and stats
It will be Arsenal ended the league in the 5th position with 14 points.
In the last 6 games, it has won 4 times and drawn twice. In its last match, Arsenal drawn 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 11 goals and conceding 6.
Arsenal will play the next match in Premier League against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday 30th of September in Bournemouth.