Arsenal now exploring fresh transfer twist amid new Ivan Toney issue

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Arsenal are now exploring their alternative targets to sign a versatile striker in the off-season with a move for Brentford talisman Ivan Toney becoming increasingly unlikely.

The Gunners are still in the market for a new centre-forward this summer, despite scoring 31 goals in their last seven Premier League games. Arsenal have temporarily eased fears around needing an out-and-out No9 with their output. But the club will not just rest on their laurels.

Fears were high in north London that Mikel Arteta would struggle to sustain Arsenal’s bid for the Premier League title without signing a striker in January. But FFP concerns restricted the Spaniard’s budget, and ensured swoops for mid-season targets like Toney were off the table.

Arsenal want a versatile striker over signing Ivan Toney

Now, football.london reports that any move for Toney may also be off the table this summer as Arsenal are likely to target the transfer of a versatile striker, instead. The north Londoners are surveying the market for reinforcements but are less inclined to pursue a one-trick pony.

Toney returned from his eight-month ban in terrific fashion for Brentford but no longer ranks in Arsenal’s top striker targets. The 27-year-old scored at home to Nottingham Forest on his return to the Premier League in January, and boasts four goals in eight appearances thus far.

Arsenal would be the favourites for his summer transfer

Arteta had made signing Toney from Brentford a priority for Arsenal for the January transfer window. The Mirror long reported that the Emirates Stadium coach wanted an out-and-out centre-forward. It also added that Toney reciprocated Arsenal’s desire for a January transfer.

But their FFP situation ensured the Gunners could not explore a deal with the Bees chasing £100m, per the Mirror. Although, as Arsenal’s finances will look far stronger in the summer, they are the favourites for Toney, with Manchester United unwilling to enter a bidding war.

Erik ten Hag has identified Toney as a target as he wants an out-and-out centre-forward – if he is still in charge at Old Trafford – this summer. But the Red Devils will not overspend with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for a player looking to leave Brentford.