Arsenal suffer setback in Ivan Toney pursuit

Arsenal's pursuit of Brentford striker Ivan Toney has hit a setback after Thomas Frank stated that he wants striker to remain at the club.

It is no secret of Arsenal's liking for Brentford striker Ivan Toney. With the club being linked with him for the last 12 months, January felt like the time that the Gunners might finally land the striker.

But Bees manager Thomas Frank might have just thrown an almighty spanner in the works.

With the rumored fee for Toney's services thought to be around £80 million ($102m), it is a steep price to pay for the striker. But while that could be done, Frank comments about his star man might leave the Gunners with a monumental hill to climb if they want to sign him as he has every intention of having Toney as part of his squad.

"The very short answer is yes," Frank said via Goal.com. "He is a Brentford player, he is here, we miss a few offensive players, and I cannot see why we should sell him. I would love to have him here for a long time. It is not for me to discuss [an offer], but if I could ever recommend one, it would need to be an unbelievable price, so he will stay here."

Door shut.

While signing Toney in January was likely going to be a tall order as several reports stated that Arsenal would have to stump up the total fee at once, but now with Frank's comments, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Toney remains with the Bees this season - barring something remarkable happening.

With the Gunners needing funds to secure David Raya's services next season as well, the purse strings could be rather tight in north London.

But while there is a clear need for Arsenal to add another quality striker to its ranks, it won't be Toney during this window as Frank seems extremely confident that his striker will remain at Brentford for the rest of the season.

Blow dealt.