Sources: Major update on Arsenal potentially signing Ivan Toney in January
Ivan Toney remains the top transfer target at Arsenal but a deal with Brentford is becoming more and more difficult, sources have told Football Insider.
The Gunners remain determined to sign Toney with Mikel Arteta wanting to add to his attacking depth at The Emirates.
The 27-year-old striker is set to return to action next month when his suspension for gambling offences expires.
Arsenal will push to sign Toney next month, but sources have told Football Insider that a deal in January looks incredibly difficult to complete with a summer move currently looking far more likely.
It is understood that Brentford are holding out for around £70million for Toney’s signature, but are not keen to sell him in January.
Brentford were already prepared to reject all bids for Toney next month, and Bryan Mbeumo’s recent injury has made the London club even more determined to keep hold of their star striker.
Bees manager Thomas Frank revealed earlier this month that Mbeumo is facing 12 weeks on the sidelines following an operation on his ankle.
The Frenchman has scored seven goals and assisted four times for Brentford across all competitions this season while filling the void left by Toney up front.
Mbeumo’s injury means Frank is left with Neal Maupay and Kevin Schade as striker options for the next few weeks until Toney returns on January 17.
The England international scored 20 goals for Brentford last season and is expected to immediately return to the starting lineup when available.
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