Ivan Toney keen on move to PL club despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea – Reports
Brentford striker Ivan Toney is eyeing a move to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to talkSPORT (via @DeadlineDayLive on X). The 28-year-old has been on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Toney has entered the final year of his contract with Brentford and is reportedly not looking to sign an extension. The Englishman is willing to run down his contract with the Bees if a move to a big club does not materialize this summer.
According to a GIVEMESPORT report (via football365.com), Toney is looking to earn a whopping £250,000 per week with his new club. The England international will be more likely to land such a deal if he signs as a free agent. However, the report adds that he is eager for a switch this summer.
Arsenal had shown an interest in the striker earlier in the window, but are not likely to place a bid. The north London side are currently focused on completing the signing of Bologna FC defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Manchester United, who recently acquired another Bologna player in Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, are reportedly looking to add further depth to their frontline.
However, as per reports, Toney is also waiting for Spurs to join the race for his signature before the end of the window. West Ham United and a few Saudi Pro League sides are also weighing up a move for the Brentford man.
Toney has scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for Brentford since signing for the club in August 2020.
Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal looking to sell 23-year-old midfielder
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club are looking to sell 23-year-old star Emile Smith Rowe. The Englishman did not feature in the club’s pre-season friendly against Bournemouth in the United States.
Smith Rowe was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 5-4 win on penalties as the game ended 1-1 after full time. Explaining his absence, Arteta said (via Football.London):
“There are things happening in the background so we felt it was best not to use him.”
According to The Guardian, Fulham are close to agreeing a club-record deal to sign the English playmaker. Marco Silva’s side had a bid worth £30 million rejected last week, but have reportedly returned with an improved offer worth £35 million with add-ons.
Arsenal have already set their eyes on reinforcements, with Euro 2024 winners Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino reportedly among their targets.