The Bees are expected to request a substantial fee for their star player, but the English international’s talent justifies Arsenal making a significant effort.
Less than a month after the closure of the summer transfer window, the rumor mill is already in full swing. Brentford is accustomed to seeing their top talents linked with other clubs, a common occurrence for teams outside the Premier League’s elite. Nevertheless, the recent speculation connecting Ivan Toney with possible transfers to either Arsenal or Chelsea is causing heightened concern.
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This doesn’t seem to be mere speculation. Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, recently acknowledged the possibility of Toney departing in January. In an interview on ‘Monday Night Football’ with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher and Dave Jones, he stated, “I believe that every club in the world, except perhaps five or six clubs, is a selling club. We are a selling club if the appropriate offer comes along.”
He continued, “I think when it’s the right moment for the player to move, from my standpoint, that’s not my decision. Ultimately, it would be up to Phil Giles, our director of football, or Matthew Benham, Brentford’s owner. If they’ve progressed well with us, been part of our journey, and have now demonstrated their ability to compete with top clubs, then I believe it’s the right step to take if the price is right.”
Initially, it was claimed that Toney could depart Brentford for as little as £60 million ($73m), but more recent reporting suggests that his current employers will demand something closer to the £80m ($97m) mark. That would make him Arsenal’s second-most expensive signing of all time, should they decide to pull the trigger.
It’s quite the investment for a 27-year-old who was playing in League One just four years ago, but Toney’s recent performances suggest that he would have little issue justifying his price tag.