Declan Rice has sent a message to a striker who’s been linked with a switch to Arsenal ahead of the summer.
Mikel Arteta is expected to bolster his options up front, with plenty of names being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz has proven himself as a worthy option to lead the line for Arsenal but as Eddie Nketiah looks set to head out the door, a replacement will be required.
It looks as if the Gunners are aiming to bring in a striker who will compete with Havertz for a place in the side.
Benjamin Sesko seems to be emerging as their preferred target, with Arsenal confident they are favourites to land the Slovenian striker. But with Sesko also attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, other names are under consideration at the Emirates Stadium.
Ivan Toney has been continuously linked with a move to north London since the winter transfer window.
The Bees striker made Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024, despite an underwhelming run of form after returning from a nine-month ban.
And ahead of England’s opener against Serbia on Sunday, Declan Rice has sent his international teammate a message on social media.
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Rice sends message to Arsenal target Ivan Toney
Toney took to Instagram on Monday evening after arriving in Germany with the England squad ahead of the Euros.
He wrote: “Proud to be in Germany with the boys. Looking forward to an exciting few weeks! Come on England.”
Rice issued a two-word response beneath the reported Arsenal target’s post.
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Arsenal have doubts over Toney’s behaviour
Arsenal’s previous interest in Toney seems to have cooled and Chris Wheatley has suggested that his behaviour in games has left the Gunners hierarchy unimpressed.
“With Ivan Toney, it doesn’t look like there’s the interest that once was, it looks like that’s faded a little bit,” the journalist told Shots TV back in March.
“I don’t think maybe his behaviour in certain games has impressed the Arsenal hierarchy, coupled with the fact that he’s going to cost quite a lot of money from Brentford. I don’t think that is one that’s likely to happen any time soon.”
While a move for Toney looks unlikely at this stage, it is interesting that the striker boasts a close relationship with Rice.
Despite reports suggesting doubts over his character, the 28-year-old is clearly a popular figure in the England set-up and it will be intriguing to see if Arsenal’s stance changes should they miss out on a younger alternative.
Previously lauded as a ‘world-class‘ forward, Toney’s form since returning from a ban has been far from convincing. The England star netted just four times in 17 appearances last season and it could be that his recent displays has also put the Gunners off.