Arsenal step up interest in Premier League striker

Arsenal make the short trip across London to face Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday. 

Mikel Arteta’s side have started the new season strongly, winning four of their six Premier League games and also cruising to a 4-0 win over Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

Last time out the Gunners battled to a 2-2 draw against rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, and Arteta could rotate his squad for the game against the Bees.

According to reports, the two clubs could soon be in negotiations off the pitch, with Arsenal eyeing a move for one of Brentford’s most important players.

As per The Mirror, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in striker Ivan Toney ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

The report claims that the North London outfit could make a move for the player in January, with Arteta keen to bolster his attacking options.

Toney has attracted interest from Arsenal

Brentford would reportedly demand at least £60 million for the 27-year-old, who is currently serving an eight-month ban from football for breaching FA betting rules.

Toney can return to competitive action in January and has recently been allowed to resume training, but he may well have played his final game for the Bees if he is sold in the new year.

The England international joined Brentford from Football League side Peterborough United in 2020 for a fee of around £4 million, and has since scored 68 goals in 124 matches for the Bees across all competitions.

Having played a pivotal role in helping Brentford secure promotion to the top flight in 2021, Toney has since impressed in the Premier League and is now attracting interest from a number of clubs.

At present the striker is contracted to Brentford until 2025, which could tempt the club into selling him if their valuation is met in January.