Darren Bent believes Ivan Toney can ‘definitely’ be a Champions League striker amid Mikel Arteta showing interest in Arsenal targeting a January transfer from Brentford.
The Gunners are stepping up their efforts to sign Toney when the sales start in the New Year. Arteta wants Arsenal to raid their London rival for the 27-year-old’s signature to improve the attacking options he currently boasts. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are their only strikers.
Toney returned to training at Brentford last month whilst he serves an eight-month ban after breaching the FA’s betting rules. He cannot return to the field until January 17 but may do so in a different jersey. The England ace last played for the Bees in May after a stellar campaign.
Bent backs Arsenal target Toney ‘100%’ to be a Champions League striker
According to the Mirror, Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Toney’s transfer at Arteta’s request. The Spaniard has identified the Northampton native as an option to improve their attack beside Jesus and Nketiah. But Brentford will demand £60m to see him go in January.
Gtech Community Stadium chiefs will not lower their valuation despite Toney’s spell out of action. He scored 21 goals and assisted five in 35 games last term, including 20 goals over 33 Premier League games. The forward hit home eight of his haul in 17 games during 2023.
Arteta admires what Toney can add at Emirates Stadium as he wants to sign a more physical centre-forward. And Bent also believes the Brentford star has all the traits needed to play in the Champions League. Toney has never featured in any European club competition to date.
“Ivan Toney can definitely [play at] a level up, of course,” Bent exclaimed on talkSPORT. “Too good [to play for Brentford]? I always think is a bit harsh. But, definitely. Could he play in the Champions League? 100%.”
Toney has offered enough to merit Arteta and Southgate’s admiration
Despite Toney’s lack of European experience, he has proven enough with Brentford to merit Arteta’s interest in a transfer to Arsenal. He also caught Gareth Southgate’s eye last term to make his England debut. The forward appeared as a substitute against Ukraine at Wembley.
Had it not been for his suspension, Toney would surely have remained in Southgate’s squad given his output last season. So, Brentford will know they can demand a huge fee even with his contract expiring in 2025. But Arsenal might strive to utilise his deal ending in 2025, too.
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