Arsenal target FOUR signings to ‘complete squad’ as Toney deal nears

Robin Bairner

• 21 Dec 2023 06:50 GMT
• 2 min read

Arsenal have moved into the lead in the race to sign Brentford’s Ivan Toney as Mikel Arteta’s side plot a blockbuster January transfer window that will see them move for as many as four new signings.

Top of the Premier League by a single point over Liverpool, Arteta believes that the Gunners’ squad can be strengthened significantly over the course of the next six weeks.

The Spaniard wants to see a striker, a midfielder and two full-backs arrive over the course of the transfer period, according to the Independent, in order to “complete” his squad.

It is stated that Arteta may have to compromise and settle for just two of these positions during January because of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, yet additional sales, such as that of Eddie Nketiah, who is wanted by Crystal Palace, could open a pathway to a quartet of arrivals at Arsenal.

Arsenal lead Chelsea over Toney

And Toney could prove to be Arsenal’s first new face for 2024.

The 27-year-old centre-forward is a player who is admired by a string of Premier League sides, but the Gunners have moved into pole position to sign the Brentford star.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that the Bees are open to selling Toney for the right price, with the player having missed the last eight months because of a suspension that came about as he breached betting rules. The London club has adapted to playing without the England international and appreciates that he could be sold for a high fee.

Chelsea’s ongoing struggles have played a role in giving Arsenal the edge in this race, according to the Independent, which states that Toney’s asking price is liable to be around €69 million up front, with a total package of €90m including bonuses.

The high figure, though, is a problem for the big-spending Blues, who will have to make sales before they can complete a purchase due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

Tottenham's interest in Toney was first revealed by FootballTransfers, but Ange Postecoglou's side have been put off by the high asking price.

Arsenal have been linked with several midfield and defensive options ahead of January, but Toney is a transfer that is starting to emerge as a particularly likely deal.