Arsenal are not actively searching for a new striker despite recurring speculation linking them with a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney, The Athletic reports.
The Gunners currently have Gabriel Jesus and Edward Nketiah as striking options, but with Toney up for grabs in January, they have repeatedly been touted as front-runners to land his signature.
However, David Orstein suggests the Gunners are not in the market for a centre forward, and even if they were, there is no guarantee Toney would be their priority.
Brentford are reluctant to lose Toney in January, but the striker is reportedly keen to take the next leap in his career once his eight-month betting suspension elapses.
The 27-year-old netted 20 Premier League goals last term, with only Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland and ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane scoring more, so he remains important to manager Thomas Frank.
Given his contract runs until 2025, Brentford have slapped a whopping £80 million demand on his services in a bid to ward off potential suitors.
While Arsenal are considered leaders in the race for his services, the Gunners will need to sanction a few departures before opening talks with Brentford.
Although Ornstein has cooled talks of the Gunners’ interest, claiming they will struggle with Financial Fair Play regulations if they attempt to match Brentford’s demands.
“Naturally there is some admiration for Toney at Arsenal – like there is at other clubs,” Ornstein said when asked if there was any truth to the Gunners’ interest in Toney.
“As things stand, I’m not aware of them actively being in the market for one and even if that changes – which is obviously possible, depending on how results and team/individual performances go in the weeks ahead – there’s no guarantee it will be Toney.
“His price will be very high, and will Arsenal (if they want him) be able to afford that?
Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United have also been touted as possible destinations for Toney, and it will be intriguing to see how the winter transfer window unfolds regarding the striker’s future.
