“We’re looking forward”: Brentford boss hint they’re ready to sell Ivan Toney to Arsenal ‘ON ONE CONDITION’
Thomas Frank stressed Brentford’s desire to keep Ivan Toney and believes the player “wants to come back and be the best” as rival clubs are interested in him.
The striker has been absent for several months due to a ban but is closing in on a return in the new year. Even before his suspension, Toney was linked with Arsenal and Chelsea, who are both looking to strengthen their strike force.
Arsenal have risen up the ranks and there has been talk of a January transfer for Toney, especially with Mikel Arteta lacking a sharp striker. However, Frank has spoken highly of Toney’s attitude in training and insists they have not received any offers.
He said: “Toney is in the game of survival right now: ‘If we get Ivan back, it would be like signing an incredible Premier League striker who has proven himself at this level. He is training very well and we are looking forward to his return. I see the same determination and willingness to train well and be ready to play. He wants to come back and be at his best.
“I really want to keep him. I want my best players and from my point of view I don’t want to sell him. He is a fantastic and important player for us. He is a Brentford player. We haven’t had any offers, I want to keep him and he’s looking forward to coming back.”
Without Toney, who was previously tipped to be selected for England, Brentford are struggling and have won just five of their 18 league games. Bryan Mbuemo is currently their top scorer, but has only scored seven times.
The Bees are willing to part with their best players, but only for a sum that suits them. Arsenal have recently negotiated with their London counterparts and signed David Rayo last summer, who was initially on loan but is expected to make a permanent move after the end of the season.
Brentford are ready to ask the highest price for Toney, but Arsenal have a limited budget after spending around £200 million in the summer. So they looked for an alternative in the form of Bournemouth midfielder Dominic Solanke, who has had a better season this season.
Solanke is one of the Premier League’s leading scorers and, according to the Star, has already impressed Arsenal’s scouts with his all-round performances. It is known that the Cherries would ask for more than 50 million pounds to sell their striker.
