“I want to play champions league”: £89m striker now ‘prefers move’ to Arsenal, told Chelsea boss to forget about signing him
Arsenal have been strengthened in their pursuit of Ivan Toney as the Brentford star’s “priority” is to secure a move to the Emirates Stadium, and reporter Ben Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT that it could go the other way as they look to get the deal over the line.
The Gunners were not afraid to spend money in the summer when Declan Rice became their most expensive signing of all time when he signed for £105 million from West Ham United, but Mikel Arteta will get another chance to strengthen his squad when the transfer window reopens at the end of the year.
Toney, who will return to action in mid-January after serving an eight-month suspension for breaking the rules, is one of those on Arsenal’s wish list as they seek to end their wait for a Premier League title.
Canaries lead the chase for Toney
Arsenal are ahead of London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the hunt for Toney in the winter window as he has been singled out as a dream destination due to his fight for a silver medal, according to the Independent.
Brentford are reportedly willing to agree a deal worth up to £80m, although the potential departure of the striker, who has scored 68 goals in 124 appearances, would be a huge loss for Thomas Frank’s side and the Gunners believe it could have a decisive impact on their title ambitions.
Dean Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that Toney is likely to choose Arsenal over Chelsea because the Champions League is on the cards and the club has an established vision under Arteta.
Top European clubs are also bidding for the England international with a captaincy, while Brentford’s manager Frank has already said he has valued the coveted goalscorer at over £100 million, meaning the north Londoners will not have an easy job.
However, Arsenal are known to be trying to get ahead of Toney’s other admirers and have begun talks with his representatives before he can go to the negotiating table when the transfer window opens in January.
The Gunners have seen a potential opportunity to buy the 27-year-old as the final 18 months of his £20,000-a-week contract expires at the end of the year, and Brentford are aware that his value will diminish as his contract nears its expiry.
Ben Jacobs update – Ivan Toney
Although Jacobs understands that Toney is more keen on joining Arsenal than other clubs in the hunt for his services, he believes that Brentford’s demands could prove to be a stumbling block as they look to secure their target.
Though the respected journalist is aware that Gunners manager Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a move in the opposite direction, to west London, which could provide a possible replacement, no progress has been made in internal talks.
Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT:
“I have said many times that I would prefer to move to Arsenal and stay in London. But Brentford want £80m or more and if that figure is not reduced, Arsenal will be in trouble in January.
“Many clubs have looked at Nketiah. I guess Brentford is the best link and if Arsenal can offset any outlay for Toney by offering Nketiah.
“It is certainly true that Arsenal have a good relationship with Brentford, which allowed them to structure the David Raya deal as an initial loan, which was good for Financial Fair Play. But this is all far too early at this point.
“No one has made a serious bid for Nketiah, so it’s too early to start linking things that don’t really exist yet.”
