Romano knows the TRUTH behind Toney to Arsenal rumours

Robin Bairner

• 18 Dec 2023 07:48 GMT
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the truth behind rumours linking Arsenal with a loan move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

Toney is one of a number of strikers who has been linked with a January transfer to the Gunners, who are known to be searching for a centre-forward to strengthen their forward line.

Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic has been the priority target for Mikel Arteta, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed, but the prospect of signing once-capped England forward Toney on a loan deal might have been an even more tempting proposition for the Gunners.

The 27-year-old has been pinned to the sidelines so far this season due to a ban relating to illegal betting but will return to action early in January.

Despite a long absence from first-team football, Toney is coveted by Arsenal and Chelsea, although Brentford have done their best to put off suitors with a huge asking price. A recent injury to key forward Bryan Mbeumo will only have increased the Bees’ resolve to keep the forward.

Amid this background, a loan move to Arsenal always seemed an unlikely proposition, and football transfer expert Romano agrees.

He states: “Some reports have also suggested that Arsenal could try signing Ivan Toney on loan from Brentford, as they did with Raya, but I’m still told Brentford are only open to giving green light to Toney exit in case of an important proposal, otherwise they’re more than happy to keep him there until the end of the season. There are no changes to report so far.”

Romano previously indicated that Toney would prefer to move to Arsenal ahead of Chelsea.

What will Brentford sell Toney for?

Ivan Toney’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is only €27m, having declined from a peak of €36.5m. Brentford are reckoned to want at least twice this figure to sell the former Peterborough forward, with some reports even suggesting that they would target a seven-figure fee for the hitman.

Brentford’s high asking price has already put off Tottenham, who have instead look for Barcelona star Raphinha, and their demands could also explain why Arsenal were exploring the possibility of a January loan.