Arsenal are on the verge of facing Ivan Toney’s transfer delay as the striker is due to be back on the pitch for Brentford after Christmas.
What happened to Ivan Toney
The English player has been sidelined since the middle of last season following a ban for breaking FA rules on betting.
During the summer transfer window, Toney was linked with a move away from his club side Brentford, but the ban stopped any possible deal.
Recent reports speculated that several European clubs were interested in the acquisition of the Englishman including Arsenal and Chelsea due to the team’s lack of a hitman.
However, that has not put a stop to Arsenal’s pursuit of the player despite having strikers like Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nkethia
Ivan Toney’s contract with Brentford still stands until the summer of 2025 as several reports suggest that the Bees are confident in convincing the striker to extend his stay.
The 27-year-old, on the other hand, is considering staying with the London club until the end of the season as an indication of gratitude for the club’s assistance during his suspension period.
Meanwhile, if Brentford retains the England strike it would strengthen their chances of finishing the current campaign on a high note.
It remains to be seen if Ivan Toney will welcome any new deal with Brentford, but further reports stated that a new contract will improve the club’s price tag in the summer.
The England international had been lauded as a probable £80 million signing but that figure could increase if he put pen to paper on a new deal.
Although, Toney is suspended until January but he has demonstrated his goalscoring prowess in the last seasons.
During the 2022/23 season, before his ban, he bagged 20 goals in 33 Premier League matches.
His eye-catching performance in the previous season drew the interest of Arsenal but the Gunners may face a major delay in his acquisition.
Reports declared the problem was the financial side of such a deal. The Emirates outfit needs to be cautious of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, after spending much in the summer window and readying to spend even more on making David Raya’s loan move permanent.
Brentford were doubtful to allow a similar agreement to the Raya loan again for Ivan Toney, meaning the last season’s Premier League runner-up would have to source substantial budgets either through selling some of their players or from the club owners.
What Ivan Toney could offer as an Arsenal player
Adding Toney to the Arsenal team in January will increase their odds of winning the Premier League and ending the season inside the top four.
But it will be uncertain for him to switch clubs, and there is no assurance that he will shine for Mikel Arteta‘s side, judging by how long he has spent out of the beautiful game.
What’s next for Ivan Toney?
It remains to be seen if Toney will undoubtedly sign a new deal with Brentford.
Arsenal have money to spend so, mathematically, they could well be forced into action if they intend to meet the Bees’ offer.
