Arsenal favourites to sign ‘special’ striker as talks held for £100m transfer

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Arsenal are the favourites to sign Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window, having made ‘inroads’ into a deal following contact with the Brentford striker about a move.

North London chiefs are moving early to position Arsenal at the front of the queue for Toney as Mikel Arteta eyes attacking reinforcements. The Gunners boss has long admired the idea of signing the 27-year-old. But their FFP situation meant a move was impossible in January.

But the financial picture at Emirates Stadium easing in the off-season will allow Arteta to eye a new centre-forward. Arsenal have often had to rely on Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz to stand in as a striker this term amidst Gabriel Jesus’ injuries and Eddie Nketiah’s lack of form.

Arsenal are the favourites to agree Ivan Toney’s transfer

Toney’s name continues to feature in Arsenal’s thinking for the summer transfer market, and Dean Jones now reports that the Gunners are the favourites to sign the Brentford star. North London chiefs are keen to stay quiet about their interest but he is still a firm target for them.

Arsenal have also made ‘inroads’ into a deal having made contact to explore Toney’s transfer from Brentford. The one-cap England striker has picked up where he left off last season after an eight-month FA ban. He has four goals in only six Premier League appearances this term.

Toney scored on his return to action against Nottingham Forest in January, too, as the Bees’ captain. He has also added efforts against Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves and Liverpool. While Brentford boss Thomas Frank called Toney ‘special’ after his goal in the win 2-0 at Molineux.

Manchester United refuse to enter a £100m bidding war

The Mirror has also named Arsenal as the favourites to seal Toney’s transfer this summer as Manchester United refuse to enter a bidding war. Old Trafford chiefs are loath to overspend with Chelsea also interested in a swoop and Brentford demanding £100m for their talisman.

Erik ten Hag identified Toney as a potential target but Tottenham could also enter the race in the off-season. While Jones also claimed during January that Toney ‘likes the idea’ of joining Arsenal. And Arteta’s interest in the out-and-out centre-forward has not reduced since then.

Now, the Gunners have made contact into signing last season’s 20-goal Premier League star. While HITC Football even reported that Arsenal scouted Toney when Brentford beat Wolves this month. He hit home in the 77th minute to settle the result with a calm first-time strike.