Arsenal and Manchester United have landed a boost for their pursuits of a £60m star after he admitted it is ‘nice’ to be linked with a transfer to the Premier League giants.
The summer sales are now officially underway after the Premier League window opened for business on June 14. Arsenal and Manchester United are both likely to be active throughout the off-season, too, as Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag strive to improve their respective sides.
Gunners chiefs are keen to give Arteta fresh weaponry after falling just two points short of a first top-flight title in 20 years. Arsenal also failed to win a major trophy for a fourth straight season. But they reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
Ivan Toney admits interest from Arsenal and Manchester United is ‘nice’
One of the positions that Arsenal are interested in strengthening over the transfer window is at striker with Ivan Toney of Brentford and England a target. That is according to HITC, which reports that Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham also like Toney.
The 28-year-old is now with the Three Lions in Germany for Euro 2024 as he bids to add to the attacker’s three caps so far. Gareth Southgate included Arsenal target Toney in his 26-man England team after scoring four goals in 17 Premier League games following an FA ban.
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Toney states that representing England at Euro 2024 is his ‘main focus’ now but it is ‘nice’ to attract interest from clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. He even states that the Northampton native is ‘ready’ to join a top squad should Brentford agree to his transfer.
“I’m a Brentford player,” Toney explained to talkSPORT. “I have a year left [on my contract]. Going into a major tournament, that is my main focus now. But after this, I’ll be going back to Brentford and I will be a Brentford player still.
“It’s nice to be linked with other clubs. But I’ve had this in the past. Nothing is done until it’s done. Like I said, I’m a Brentford player and I’m focused on doing well for Brentford for the upcoming season. That’s the main thing.
“Obviously, if it was to come, I would be ready regardless. But I’ve got to remain focused and not let other things and other noise get the best of me and just focus on what I need to do for my club.”
Brentford value Ivan Toney at £60m despite having 12 months on his contract
HITC notes that Arsenal and Chelsea have been following Toney for the past year as they eye potential striker targets. Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham have also joined the queue of clubs considering his services. But no side is set to meet Brentford’s asking price.
Brentford value Toney at £60m as they believe he is amongst the best strikers in the Premier League. Yet his suitors feel he is worth closer to £40m given the 6ft star enters the final year of his contract on July 1. Brentford are happy for Toney to stay if they do not get strong bids.
Clubs like Arsenal may baulk at paying £60m for Toney’s transfer, though, given his struggles and contract at Brentford. The forward offered all four of his goals for the 23/24 season over his first five appearances back from an eight-month ban before failing to score in 12 games.