Arsenal might launch a surprise move to sign 28-year-old England international Ivan Toney from Brentford before Friday’s summer transfer deadline.
According to a report by Football Insider, Ivan Toney is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners have yet to sign a striker in the summer transfer window, with Kai Havertz the first-choice striker for the 2024/25 season. However, with Eddie Nketiah joining Crystal Palace today, it behoves the North London club to consider a replacement for the England international.
Ivan Toney and his rise at Brentford
Ivan Toney has come leaps and bounds since joining Brentford from Peterborough United in September 2020. The Englishman was instrumental in taking the West London club to the Premier League and has not looked back in the last four years, with his long betting ban the only stumbling block during his journey with the Bees.
The 28-year-old has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for Brentford while chipping in with 72 goals and 23 assists. However, Toney has played his final game for the West London club, with Thomas Frank excluding him from the matchday squads in all three games in the 2024/25 season.
With Toney entering the final 12 months of his contract and showing no inclination to sign a new deal, Brentford must cash in on him before the summer transfer window shuts down. The English striker has no shortage of suitors, with Premier League bigwigs, including Chelsea, and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli showing interest in him. However, Arsenal might have something to say about the matter.
Move across London on the horizon?
Arsenal’s interest in Ivan Toney is understandable. The Gunners are on the verge of parting ways with Eddie Nketiah, who will join fellow London club Crystal Palace before Friday’s summer transfer deadline. While Mikel Arteta has previously suggested that his squad does not need another striker, Arsenal can do with a productive centre-forward.
Toney has thus emerged as a viable target for the North London club, with the report claiming they are mulling over a surprise late move for him. They are now preparing a bid to beat Chelsea to the 28-year-old Englishman’s signature before the summer transfer window shuts down.
The Blues have also been keen on securing Ivan Toney’s services, with their move for Victor Osimhen not materialising yet. However, with Arsenal formulating the proposal to sign the England international and offering UEFA Champions League, Chelsea might be in a losing battle for his signature.
