Brentford deal Arsenal massive blow and risk angering Toney with transfer stance

23 November 2023 , 16:08

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Brentford deal Arsenal massive blow and risk angering Toney with transfer stance

Brentford are determined not to sell Ivan Toney in January.

They are ready to embrace Toney back into the first-team after he completes his ban for breaking Football Association betting rules and expect him to stay at least until next summer. That will be a major blow for the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea who are both keen on the England striker who has just 18 months left on his current deal.

Toney, 27, has made no secret of the fact that he is ready to leave Brentford to further his ambitions as he sets his sights on playing in the Champions League and also becoming a regular member of the England squad. But it would take a huge offer to persuade Brentford to sell in the next transfer window and, even though there is strong interest in him, they want him to remain at the club and repay their faith in him.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank offered his support to Toney after he was hit with the eight month ban - which expires in January - and even said they would back him with a new deal. Frank also said they would let Toney go “for the right price” but that will not be in January, not least because Brentford will lose several players to international duty for AFCON.

They are likely to be without Congo’s Yoane Wissa and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo while midfielder Frank Onyeka is set to play for Nigeria. That will leave Brentford desperately short and another big factor in why they want Toney to stay.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Ivan Toney will return from his betting ban in January (Paul Dennis/TGS Photo/REX/Shutterstock)

There is a confidence that Toney will be determined to help the club push for a high finish and be as committed as ever with a place in England’s Euros squad also up for grabs. Brentford had wanted at least £60m when it became clear Arsenal were interested but that valuation has steadily gone up and might even be closer to £100m when they do eventually allow him to go.

Arsenal remain very interested in Toney but they will also have to sell to stay in line with spending rules while strengthening their midfield - with potentially a new loan signing as Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is more of a long term option - is now a higher priority. Chelsea have also been tracking Toney as they have lacked a No9 this season despite their big spending.

John Cross