Arsenal are unlikely to pursue a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney in January, with Chelsea moving ahead in the race to sign the forward.
The 27-year-old hasn’t played for the Bees since the 6th of May, with the striker currently serving a suspension for gambling.
According to TEAMTalk, Mikel Arteta’s side are unlikely to push for a deal in January, with the Gunners having to sell players before bringing anyone in.
Despite his hat-trick on Monday night, Nicolas Jackson has struggled since his move, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side now ahead of their rivals in the race to sign Toney.
Brentford without Ivan Toney
Following Toney’s eight-month ban, the Bees have had to acclimatise to life without their star and it has been a bumpy ride.
The club are set to demand at least £80 million, if not more, for the England international in January.
This fee is set as the club looks to put any potential suitors off in January and looks forward to the summer transfer window, with Toney returning to action before this point.
Toney scored 20 Premier League goals last season and with the difficulty in finding a clinical goalscorer, it is no surprise that he is a wanted man.
Toney could be crucial after January
Toney’s return date from his suspension is January 17th, with the 27-year-old potentially being key to Thomas Frank’s side throughout the second part of the season.
Neal Maupay scored his first Premier League goal in 14 months, with Bryan Mbuemo having a solid campaign scoring six times so far as Brentford sit ninth in the top flight.
The 27-year-old’s goalscoring record in the top flight is astonishing, with Frank undoubtedly missing his man so far this season.