Arsenal Transfers: Gunners to move for leading Premier League striker in January

The summer transfer window has only just drawn to a close, yet the rumour mills continue to churn. Over the past week, Arsenal have been strongly linked with a January move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

Toney is currently serving a six-month suspension following gambling breaches, but he’ll return to action at the start of 2024.

The England international has operated as Brentford’s leading marksman in the Premier League and he notched an impressive 20 goals in the top flight last season, six of which were penalties.

Toney himself previously discussed his admiration of Arsenal despite growing up a Liverpool fan, and various reports suggest the Gunners could make a move for the striker in January.

Arsenal to make Ivan Toney move in January

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The links arrive at a time when many supporters have grown concerned about Eddie Nketiah’s long-term viability in north London following his poor display in the North London Derby. And while Gabriel Jesus has been an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s frontline, the Brazilian has proven inefficient in front of goal.

Many believe the Gunners need a killer (not literally) up top to take them to the next level, with Toney potentially being that guy after a stellar 2022/23 season.

The Times report that a monster fee in the region of £80m would convince Brentford to sell their star man in January despite his suspension and contract situation. His current deal in west London expires in 2025. However, such a big price would mean Arsenal would have to sell players before acquiring the big forward in order to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

Some have discussed the possibility of using Nketiah as part of the deal.

Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked with the 27-year-old, while Arsenal are also said to be looking at Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez as a potential alternative to Toney.

These incessant links are curious given that you could argue the Gunners have a chance creation issue just as much as they have a striker problem. Their attack is yet to fire this season, although Arteta’s side have been pretty productive when it comes to picking up points.