Toney provides important update on Brentford future amid Arsenal interest

Cameron Smith

• 8 Jan 2024 06:30 CST
• 3 min read

Ivan Toney has hinted that he could stay at Brentford until the end of the 2023-24 season, despite heavy transfer interest from Arsenal.

The Englishman is nearing the end of his footballing ban for over 200 betting breaches and will be available for selection when Brentford face Nottingham Forest on 20 January.

Previously, Toney has suggested that he may depart the club during the winter window, amid links with Arsenal and Chelsea, and FootballTransfers understand that he would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, sources have informed us that Mikel Arteta’s side have no intention of meeting Brentford’s €116 million (£100m) valuation.

Now, Toney looks as though he may stay in west London until the summer at least, following his comments in an interview with Sky Sports.

Ivan Toney to stay at Brentford instead of signing for Arsenal?

The former England international told the broadcaster: “With Brentford, they're struggling at the moment but I'm sure when I'm back I will play a big part to get them out of the losing form they've been in. I can't wait to get back and be helping my team-mates," said Toney.

The Brentford man was then asked if he felt any pressure to hit the ground running given the team’s poor run of results. “Not really, no,” he replied. “It's not pressure, it's just excitement to get back on the pitch.

“Everybody at Brentford knows I will do my best to try and get the club out of the sticky patch we're in.

“But there's no pressure and even if there was, I wouldn't feel it and that's what drives me forward.

“Everyone knows Brentford is a family club, they have been nothing but amazing for me. I can't thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So it's kind of like I have a lot to repay.”

Toney has 18 months left on his current Brentford contract after signing a five-year deal upon joining from Peterborough in 2020. He scored 20 Premier League goals in 33 appearances last season and earned a first England cap in March 2023.