Arsenal still hold an interest in signing Ivan Toney for a key reason compared to their striker, Gabriel Jesus, but the Gunners will not pay Brentford £80m to land a transfer.
The north London natives initially explored a move to sign Toney during the January transfer window. But any attempt to agree terms with Brentford was not possible as Arsenal worked to avoid any potential breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Finances should, however, allow manager Mikel Arteta to target attacking reinforcements at the end of the season. So, the Mirror reports that Arsenal have complied a shortlist that has Toney’s name, plus RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP.
Ivan Toney is slipping down Arsenal’s striker transfer shortlist
Arsenal have scouted Gyokeres and Sesko regularly this term as Arteta undoubtedly wants to secure a transfer for a striker. But Toney’s name has slipped from the top of the Spaniard’s shortlist – even though Arsenal like the 27-year-old’s physical presence and clinical finishing.
Toney’s very positive fitness record is also a crucial reason behind Arsenal’s ongoing interest in his transfer given Jesus’ injury woes. Arteta has only given the 26-year-old 1,125 minutes from a potential 2,430 (46.3%) in the Premier League this term with 18 outings in 27 games.
Gunners chiefs also admire Toney for his football intelligence, plus how the one-cap England attacker can link Brentford’s play. The Bees are also braced for the forward to quit the Gtech Community Stadium this year, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also keeping close tabs.
Arsenal are increasingly concerned by Gabriel Jesus’ injury woes
But Brentford will price Arsenal out of Toney’s market if they demand £80m for his transfer. Gunners chiefs will not entertain a bidding war with their London rivals and overspend with other forwards taking their interest. Toney is also out of contract with the Bees in June 2025.
Toney – who Brentford coach Thomas Frank calls ‘special’ – could give Arsenal a reminder of his talents on Saturday. While Jesus could also return to Arteta’s starting XI for the first time since January. He returned to league action after yet another knee injury at Sheffield United.
Jesus has missed five Premier League games this season due to further aggravations of the knee injury he originally sustained at the 2022 World Cup. He also missed three fixtures with a hamstring injury before the November international break and has only started 13 to date.
His frequent spells in the treatment room at London Colney are now becoming an increasing concern for the Gunners’ hierarchy. So, while Toney can use Brentford’s visit to Arsenal as an audition for Arteta, the Emirates Stadium clash could also be big for Jesus to show his worth.
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