Arsenal to step up £60m striker pursuit with January move likely

John Cross reports for the Mirror that Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Ivan Toney ahead of the January transfer window, with Brentford willing to sell but demanding £60m.

The Bees won’t settle for any less than that price, although Cross adds that Eddie Nketiah could potentially be included in a deal – which would lower the amount paid in cash.

Toney is reportedly keen to move to a bigger club, and he’s not planning to sign a new deal with Brentford. His current contract expires in 2025.

But as well as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also watching developments.

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic Football Podcast that Brentford will need to make a decision on Toney in January.

Ornstein highlights that Brentford are reportedly ready to offer Toney a massive contract to extract the maximum value for him. But if he’s not prepared to sign, then there’s a good chance he will leave at some point in 2024.

Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano has played down any excitement over his emoji tweet update on Toney by clarifying that there’s no new information from his end.

Arsenal's French defender William Saliba (top) fouls Brentford's English striker Ivan Toney during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 11, 2023.

Arsenal’s French defender William Saliba (top) fouls Brentford’s English striker Ivan Toney during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 11, 2023.

Romano had previously written that Arsenal were among the clubs to ask for information on a potential deal for Toney.

Italian clubs have also made enquiries, but Arsenal’s primary rivals for the transfer appear to be Chelsea, as Toney is prioritising remaining in the Premier League.

Chelsea are well-informed on Toney’s situation, and Arsenal joined them in expressing an interest.Italian clubs have also made enquiries, but Arsenal’s primary rivals for the transfer appear to be Chelsea, as Toney is prioritising remaining in the Premier League.

Chelsea are well-informed on Toney’s situation, and Arsenal joined them in expressing an interest.

Romano added that Arsenal hadn’t yet decided how they want to act in January, and there isn’t expected to be any imminent progress on a deal.

Toney is currently suspended from football due to breaching FA rules on gambling, but he’s back in training, and he’ll be able to play again in January