Ivan Toney now makes Arsenal stance clear as Euro giants now enter January race

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Arsenal are eyeing up Brentford striker Ivan Toney, but a deal in the January transfer window now looks unlikely.

Arsenal have been told that they need another striker if they are to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title, and have also been linked with Victor Osimhen and Marcos Leonardo.

Toney has long been linked with Arsenal, who seemingly have a good relationship with Brentford following the signing of David Raya this summer, and Toney has previously admitted that he admires the Gunners.

However, should Arsenal end up pursuing Toney, they may now be dealt a blow.

Ivan Toney makes Arsenal stance clear

A report from TEAMtalk has now claimed that Spanish giants Real Madrid are also interested in the forward, as they aim to replace the presence of Karim Benzema upfront.

Toney is reportedly happy at Brentford, and in no rush to leave in January. There is a chance he stays until the summer, and the club are keen on signing him to a new contract.

Mikel Arteta is still interested in Toney, but it now seems that Osimhen may be the preferred long-term target, and it now appears that Toney will not push for an immediate move to the Emirates.

Do Arsenal need Ivan Toney?

Although Toney did score 20 Premier League goals last season, six of these came from the penalty spot, and his non-penalty total of 14 was lower than both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been brilliant since coming in, although he has struggled with injuries, and his form in front of goal has been criticised for a lack of consistency.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian is arguably more suited to Arteta’s style than Toney. The Englishman plays in a very different setup under Thomas Frank, and may struggle to adapt to a side which often faces deep defences, having enjoyed more space upfront in a counter-attacking style so far.

If Arsenal are interested in Osimhen, who led Napoli to a historic Serie A title last season, then spending a huge fee on Toney would prevent this, and all indications point to Arteta preferring the Nigerian.

Talk of a January move for Toney seems to be dying down, and Arsenal may be better off looking elsewhere given the potential price-tag, as well as the possibility that they may need to enter into a bidding war with Chelsea and Real Madrid to sign him.