Arsenal decided against signing Ivan Toney in the summer despite their sporting director Edu holding talks with the English international.
Arsenal were keen on signing a new striker during the recently concluded summer transfer window. The Gunners were linked with quite a few top stars. But things did not go according to plan for them. Ivan Toney was one of their top targets, and they even held talks with the former Brentford ace.
According to a report from TBR Football, Arsenal sporting director Edu met the English international and held talks with him regarding a move to North London. But, in the end, they decided against signing him.
Toney had made quite a name for himself with his consistent performances for the Bees in the English top flight. While Brentford were keen on keeping hold of the 28-year-old, they were not in a strong position, with his contract running out in 2025.
The English international wanted a new challenge and had decided against signing a new deal with the West London club. He was keen on joining a bigger club in the country, and Arsenal had emerged as a potential destination.
Mikel Arteta wanted a new number nine as he wasn’t satisfied with the performances of his current forwards. The Gunners were linked with quite a few top stars. They had their eyes on Benjamin Sesko (who still remains a target), Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney.
Toney’s dream move to Arsenal collapsed
The 28-year-old former Brentford striker saw his dream move to Arsenal fall through even after he spoke with them. The Englishman had met their sporting director Edu around Easter this year as the Gunners assessed whether to push for his services.
However, the North London outfit decided against making a move for him following those talks. While there was interest in his services from other Premier League outfits, the Bees’ £60 million asking price was a major obstacle for those clubs. In the end, Toney could not find himself a new club in England and had to look elsewhere.
Eventually, he agreed to move to the Middle East as the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli struck a deal worth just over £40 million with Brentford on transfer deadline day for the services of the English striker.
