Arteta has Arsenal transfer tactic to sign Toney ahead of three fierce rivals

28 September 2023 , 18:43

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Arteta has Arsenal transfer tactic to sign Toney ahead of three fierce rivals

Mikel Arteta will make Ivan Toney his No.1 January target to convince him to join Arsenal ahead of potential rivals.

Gunners boss Arteta views Brentford striker Toney as a huge chance to bolster his squad in the next transfer window. But they could face major competition with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham also watching developments while Manchester United have been keen admirers in the past.

However, Arteta was able to convince Declan Rice to move to the Emirates ahead of other big clubs and the England midfielder was not remotely tempted when Bayern Munich and Manchester City showed an interest.

Arteta will hope that Arsenal’s ambition and vision will be key in trying to do a deal for Toney, who looks set to leave Brentford in January.

The Gunners see his physical presence and impressive goal record - he scored 20 Premier League goals last season - as the key factor why he would offer something different to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. Arsenal view a top centre forward as the next building block in the squad's development with Toney their outstanding choice.

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Brentford will demand at least £60m even though 27-year-old Toney will only have 18 months left on his deal and a bidding war could push the price up further.

Ivan Toney could leave Brentford when the transfer window reopens in January (Getty Images)

‌That would make life difficult for Arsenal because they will be conscious they cannot break strict Financial Fair Play spending rules and even signed David Raya on loan in the summer - but will look to make that permanent next year. It could mean that Arsenal have to sell and balance the squad before the end of the financial year.

‌They might struggle to put any players into a deal as Nketiah has made it plain he wants to fight for his place while his wages - thanks to a big contract signed when his previous deal was coming to an end - could be an issue. Emile Smith Rowe was determined to stay and fight for his place and has reiterated that he sees his future at Arsenal.

John Cross