Ivan Toney to Arsenal: Brentford confirm forward signing, as Toney's exit takes another step forward

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Arsenal want Ivan Toney - and now Brentford have confirmed a big striker transfer, as the saga develops further

Arsenal target Ivan Toney of Brentford reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Gtech Community Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Brentford, England.
(Image credit: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Arsenal's pursuit of Ivan Toney just edged a little closer, with a huge moment in the saga just confirmed.

Brentford hitman Toney has been open about his desire to join a big club, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that the England international would rather link up with the Gunners over London rivals Chelsea. 

TEAMtalk claimed last year that there were talks between Toney and Arsenal – and now, Brentford have made the strongest indication yet that their talismanic target man will be leaving in the summer, following comments from Thomas Frank. 

Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank has openly admitted he expects Toney to depart the Gtech Community Stadium (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Bees have confirmed the capture of Club Brugge forward, Igor Thiago for a fee of around £30 million. 

The Brazilian will link up with the west Londoners in the summer, seeing out the rest of the season at the Jupiler Pro League in Belgium, with Frank highlighting Thiago's “physical presence, very good in the box and can link the play” – all attributes associated with Toney.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly looking to bring a new forward to the club this summer, with Gabriel Jesus struggling with injuries this term and backup option Eddie Nketiah not starting often in his absence. 

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on February 04, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta could be looking towards Toney in his search for a striker (Image credit: Getty Images)

At the weekend against West Ham United, Arteta deployed Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz in attacking positions, with the two forwards enjoying positional fluidity to drift and combine with the other forwards

Toney is worth €35m, according to Transfermarkt. 

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.