Arsenal have already made an approach to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney (Getty)
Arsenal will consider delaying their push to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the January transfer window following Thomas Partey’s injury, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta’s side had made the signing of Toney one of their priorities ahead of the January window and it’s understood that the Gunners and Chelsea have both made an approach for the 27-year-old.
Brentford, however, are demanding at least £80 million for their star striker, who scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season but is currently serving an eight-month ban after he accepted 232 breaches of the Football Association’s rules on betting.
According to MailOnline, Arsenal’s focus in the upcoming transfer window could now switch following the news that Partey will be sidelined until at least the start of 2024 after he underwent surgery on his injured thigh.
The report claims that Arsenal have ‘major concerns’ that Partey will now miss a large part of the season and the Gunners are now contemplating the arrival of a new midfielder.
Thomas Partey’s injury could force Arsenal to sign a new midfielder in January (Getty)
Reports this week have claimed that Arsenal’s top midfield target is Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
The Gunners saw multiple offers for the Brazilian rejected by Villa last year and the midfielder has since signed a new contract which keeps him tied to the club until 2026.
Arsenal have also retained their interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, however, the 24-year-old is unwilling to leave the Spanish club before the end of the campaign.
Arteta’s side made an approach for Zubimendi in January but the midfielder, who has a €60 million (£52.6m) release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad, said it was ‘illogical’ for him to switch clubs midway through a season.
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Partey is out until at least the start of 2024.