Arsenal are reportedly ramping up their efforts to secure the signature of Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the upcoming January transfer window.
With both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah struggling to find the back of the net in recent matches, the Gunners are eager to add a proven goal scorer to their ranks and maintain their title ambitions.
Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table, Mikel Arteta’s side dropped out of the Champions League places following a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite leading the game twice, Arsenal squandered several opportunities, particularly through Jesus and Nketiah, dampening their goal tally at the Emirates Stadium.
According to reports from The Mirror, Brentford is open to parting ways with Ivan Toney, but they have set a price tag of £60 million for his services if a transfer is to take place in January.
Toney, who received an eight-month ban from football on May 17, remains unavailable for selection due to pleading guilty to 232 of the 262 betting charges brought against him by the FA last year.
However, it is expected that he will be eligible to play for the club again on January 16, 2024, following a four-month absence from the pitch.
Furthermore, Toney has recently returned to full training after completing his ban and has been seen attending Brentford matches as a spectator.
Mikel Arteta is keen on adding a physically imposing forward with a proven goal-scoring record to strengthen the Arsenal squad.
Ivan Toney, who netted an impressive 20 goals in the Premier League last season, fits the desired profile and has caught the attention of the Gunners’ boss.
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has voiced his concern over Arsenal’s attacking options and believes that Toney could be the missing piece in their quest for success.
Merson suggests that the current forwards, Nketiah and Jesus, do not possess the qualities necessary to elevate Arsenal to the next level.
With 32 games remaining and crucial Champions League fixtures on the horizon, Merson insists that Arsenal needs a quality center forward like Toney.
