Reported Arsenal Target Leaves Door Open For January Move

Ivan Toney isn’t ruling out a move this winter…

Reported Arsenal target Ivan Toney has left the door open for a potential move in January with the striker set to return to football following an eight-month ban due to betting violations, Sky Sports reports.

Toney has been out of action since being handed the punishment by The FA in May and, after playing in a few behind-closed-doors friendlies for Brentford, is set to make his comeback this weekend.

According to the Daily Mail, Toney remains Arsenal’s ‘top target’ for the centre-forward position, though any deal will likely have to wait until the summer due to financial restrictions.

Also, Brentford will not be forthcoming in doing business for the 27-year-old as they look to secure their place in the Premier League.

With just 18 months remaining on his deal, Toney has made no secret of his desire to join a top club and hasn’t ruled out making a move this month.

“You can never predict when is the right time to move elsewhere, but I think it’s obvious I want to play for a top club,” the England international was quoted as saying.

“Everybody wants to play for a top club, that is fighting for titles. Whether it’s this January that is the right time for a club to come in and pay the right money, who knows?

“But my main focus is to do what I do on the pitch, and let the background work take care of itself.”

Given the way Brentford stood behind Toney, coupled with his relationship with Thomas Frank, one expects the striker to lean towards repaying the faith shown in him.

For Arsenal fans, fantasising about an external solution to our goalscoring problem will not do us any good. Mikel Arteta will need to make-do with the tools he has at his disposal if we’re to rescue our title charge.