Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Brentford star Ivan Toney
According to The Mirror, Premier League giants Arsenal are ready to step up their interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the 2024 January transfer window.
The 27-year-old is currently suspended for betting but is set to return to action midway through the season. A proven Premier League scorer, the Englishman would certainly be an improvement over who the Gunners have at their disposal.
Gabriel Jesus has had his moments but he has not yet hit prolific numbers to warrant the moniker of a serial goalscorer. Bringing in Toney will not just give Mikel Arteta options but also perhaps light the fire of competition in Jesus to up his game.
Brentford are ready to sell their star man but will demand at least £60m for the player. His current contract at the club expires in the summer of 2025 and given that he is in his prime, it could prove to be fair value in today’s market.
Arteta wants to not just bring a proven goalscorer to his squad, but also someone who can add a physical presence to his attack. That plays right into Toney’s hands and he could prove to be an excellent fit for the system being employed at The Emirates.
Toney is not keen to pen a fresh deal and wants to move to a big club. Given that he is in his prime and has already established himself as a top-level player. Brentford can only take him so far and a move to Arsenal could benefit all parties.
Not only will the player get the opportunity to play for a top side but Arsenal will be handed a key weapon in their battle to topple Manchester City. Brentford, for their part, will also land themselves a handsome amount for a player on a fast-expiring contract.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the player, potentially hampering Arsenal’s grip on the transfer race. Which of the London giants eventually comes out on top remains to be seen.
