Mikel Arteta’s side have been dealt a fresh blow over Ivan Toney (Picture: Shutterstock)
Arsenal are set for transfer misery over key target Ivan Toney in the January window, according to reports.
Toney is set to make is return to football in January after serving his eight-month ban for breaking the Football Association’s rules on betting.
The striker, who scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season, has been linked to both Arsenal and Chelsea in the upcoming window, with many feeling that the Gunners need a new forward if they are to secure the top-flight title.
Toney has dropped hints that Arsenal would be his preferred destination should he leave Brentford but a move to the Emirates is thought to be unlikely.
Arsenal have now been dealt a fresh blow over their hopes of signing the 27-year-old with The Sun reporting that Brentford boss Thomas Frank has become ‘desperate’ to keep Toney at the Gtech Community Stadium in January.
Brentford were thumped 4-1 at home by Wolves on Wednesday night and could get pulled into a relegation fight if they do not turn their poor form around.
Bryan Mbeumo has missed Brentford’s last four Premier League games with an ankle problem, which has further added to Bees’ desire to keep Toney.
Brentford star Ivan Toney has been linked to both Arsenal and Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
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Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal will be active in January after admitting that his side are ‘really short’ in some areas.
The Gunners are thought to have ‘strong interest’ in signing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal are also considering making a move for Ajax’s 17-year-old wonderkid Jorrel Hato as they eye up defensive reinforcements.
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A blow for the Gunners.