Arsenal transfer boost as Brentford 'eye' frontman

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 28 Apr 2024 08:49 BST
• 3 min read

Brentford are increasingly likely to cash in on Ivan Toney - amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United - with his replacement already lined up.

Toney emerged as one of the most coveted strikers in English football last season when he scored 20 goals for little fancied Brentford, and he has bagged four more this year since returning from an eight-month gambling ban.

Arsenal have shortlisted the recent England international with a bona fide No.9 wanted, much as Kai Havertz has impressed up front in recent months, although they face competition for his signature.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer rumours

But Chelsea are likely to be hamstrung by FFP, while United are unlikely to meet Brentford's £50 million asking price in the new Sir Jim Ratcliffe era - and Rasmus Hojlund is nascent anyway. The Bees have their Toney replacement either way.

"Johan Bakayoko has reportedly piqued the interest of Brentford, who are eyeing up a new frontman to replace Ivan Toney," report The Express.

Brentford already bid for Bakayoko

"Brentford had attempted to land the player in 2023 when they tabled a £30 million bid. The Bees were ultimately thwarted when the attacker opted to stay with his current employers PSV."

Bakoyoko has since fired PSV Eindhoven most of the way to this season's Eridivisie title with 11 goals and nine assists, and is now valued at €63.2m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm.

READ MORE: Arsenal's 10 most expensive transfers of all time

That is a significant fee for Brentford to meet, and they could now be tempted to raise the funds with their talented but wantaway No.9.

Another potential Toney path to North London is that Brentford are also interested in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, and a swap deal plus cash could be negotiated between the two clubs.

Arsenal still covet Victor Osimhen, Joshua Zirkzee and others, but a move for Toney is beginning to make sense on all sides.