Arsenal transfer news: Ivan Toney is a player with a point to prove when he returns to action and a number of Premier League clubs will be watching with a close eye
Arsenal, Chelsea and the Premier League's top clubs will have been left on red alert this week after Ivan Toney's compelling interview.
The Brentford striker has become one of the Premier League's hottest talents in the centre-forward position after helping the Bees earn promotion in 2021. Toney has scored 32 goals in 66 games across two seasons but is currently serving a eight-month suspension after breaching FA betting rules.
"Everybody wants to play at the top of the three, not that Brentford aren't there, but I feel like going to a big club and fighting for trophies is something everyone wants to do," Toney said.
"If the chance came along, then I'd have to look more into it. The manager knows I want to play at the highest level possible, whenever that time comes then so be it. My time at Brentford has been good, probably one of the best times of my whole career."
The former Newcastle United then went to name-drop Arsenal. "The next club I go to, if I was to move, would be the right club," he continued. "I've liked watching Arsenal and how they play and how passionate their fans are. I'm a Liverpool boy at heart."
Toney's comments have left Arsenal fans excited by the prospect of the forward signing for the club. The Gunners currently do not have an out-and-out No.9 in their ranks, with many tipping the position to be the next priority on Edu Gaspar's list either this window or next.
Three years ago, Toney cost Brentford only £5million from Peterborough United. His market value has only accelerated at a rapid pace, according to Transfermarkt.com. with him worth £23.9million ($30.4m) after their play-off win over Swansea City. A single season in the top-flight saw a very little change in his value £29.9million ($38m).
In March, the month he was charged by the FA, Toney's market value reached its peak of £42.7million ($54.3m). However, five months later, Transfermarkt now put his estimated value at £29.9million ($38m).
Toney's current contract at the Gtech Community Stadium is due to expire in 2025, meaning he will be in the final 18 months of his deal when the January transfer window opens. If Arsenal and Chelsea are keen to avoid any multi-million pound deals for the likes of Victor Osimhen and Kylian Mbappe in the future, Toney could be the bargain of the year.