Arsenal need to improve their team in January | Football Digest
Ivan Toney has been heavily linked with a move away from Brentford in January, with Arsenal reportedly leading the race to secure his signature. The Gunners are eager to strengthen their attack during the winter transfer window and acquire the services of a traditional No 9.
The Gunners have made a strong start to the season and appear to be capable of challenging for the Premier League title once again. However, questions have been raised about whether they truly addressed their transfer needs over the summer.
The arrivals of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz have added depth to the Arsenal squad, though their lack of a marquee striker to lead the line for the club is a significant issue that Arteta is having to contend with still. Many expected a forward to arrive before this season began, but other departments were prioritised instead.
Arteta has settled on Toney as his top target to upgrade on Gabriel Jesus, though there are plenty of factors at play with the England international. Express Sport takes a look at what we know so far about Toney’s potential move to Arsenal…
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Significant transfer fee
Toney has proven himself at the very top level since Brentford were promoted, and his 20 goals and four assists in 33 league appearances last season evidenced that. As such, the Bees are not willing to let the 27-year-old leave on the cheap, despite coping with him efficiently so far. According to Sky Sports, Brentford will only allow Toney to leave the club in January for £100million, otherwise, they are content with parting ways with him in the summer when there will be less urgency around the move.
Chelsea stance
Arsenal aren’t the only club to have been linked with Toney as Chelsea are also desperate to sign a striker. The ex-Newcastle star is said to be among their considerations, along with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Club Brugge star Antonio Nusa. However, The Athletic report that Toney is not as high on the Chelsea shortlist as many anticipated and other options are actually preferred, leaving Arsenal with a clearer path to securing his signature.
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Player’s preferred destination
Earlier this season, Toney spoke at length about his footballing career and the gambling regulations that have seen him banned until the end of January. During an interview with the Diary Of A CEO podcast, he explained that he wants to join ‘the right club’ when he leaves Brentford.
Asked for who that could be given that he is a boyhood Liverpool fan, Toney replied: “I have been a Liverpool fan my whole life, but I have liked Arsenal… I like watching Arsenal and how they play and kind of how passionate the fans are. But, yeah, Liverpool fan, Liverpool boy at heart.”
Thomas Frank on Toney
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has sung the praises of Toney on a weekly basis for his courageous performances for his side, and the Danish manager is willing to facilitate his exit if the correct offer arrives. Speaking on Sky Sports, Frank claimed that the Bees’ No 9 is one of the best in the business, before saying: “If they build well with us on this journey, and now prove they are good enough to go to the top clubs, but for the right price. Yes, it does apply to him too (Toney), I understand why there are a lot of rumours out there, for me, as a striker and a number nine, I don’t see many others better than him in the world.”
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