Arsenal and Ivan Toney are going hand in hand in this transfer window and the Brentford striker has been a topic of conversation again.
Toney is widely recognised as being the number one choice for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal if they were to sign a forward this month.
However, a big fee would be needed to land Toney. Anything from £60m all the way up to £100m has been mentioned as a potential fee.
Further, Arsenal are also close to the bone when it comes to FFP, meaning a January deal is hard to do.
And according to journalist Ben Jacobs, the situation around Toney could see Arsenal actually try and sign him for free in 2025.
Arsenal considering waiting for Ivan Toney
Speaking on the FIVE YouTube show, Jacobs spoke at length about Toney and admitted that all possibilities, including a free transfer, are on the table.
“Toney would welcome the move to Arsenal now, despite what he’s said on record, so a sale can’t be ruled out, but nor can a new contract. And if somehow Toney and Brentford can agree a new structure, which is hard because Toney is looking for around £200k-a-week, if it turns out that happens, it won’t rule out an exit but it would calm the imminent possibility of him leaving. But, free agency is also a possibility in 2025.
So, if you’re Arsenal you’re thinking big money was spent in the summer, do we need Toney now? And Arsenal are probably thinking about FFP and if they can get Toney at more value later down the line, so that’s why I don’t think there’s any guarantee that they make a move for a striker in this window,” Jacobs said.
Risky business for Arsenal
It’s really turning into a big game of cat and mouse, this.
On one hand, you have Toney suggesting he’d like to stay for now and repay some of the faith Brentford have placed in him. On the other hand, you have the temptation of moving to Arsenal and potentially firing them to the title.
All the while, you have the scenario around how much he’d cost, as well as other clubs being keen.
This is a big risk scenario for Arsenal right now. If they do decide to wait until 2025, then so much can change in that time that they might miss out altogether. Likewise, they could spend £100m now and Toney doesn’t do the business.
This rumour doesn’t look like going away but you can see why Arsenal aren’t just going all out.