Arsenal start negotiations with Ivan Toney over January move as Mikel Arteta attempts to beat Chelsea and Spurs to Brentford star

Arsenal are allegedly poised to start negotiations with Brentford over striker Ivan Toney amid Chelsea and Tottenham transfer connections.

WHAT OCCURRED?
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Arsenal are debating whether or not to make a ‘concrete’ bid to recruit Brentford sensation Toney in January.

He thinks the Gunners have already taken the ‘initial steps’ with the striker’s entourage and might start negotiations with the Bees soon.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Toney was banned for eight months in May after confessing to 232 violations of FA betting rules but the England international was handed a shorter punishment because of a confirmed gambling addiction. The 27-year-old is expected to return to action on January 17, 2024, and it appears teams are queuing up to obtain his services. However, he will not move on the cheap, amid rival interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, despite the fact his contract expires in the summer of 2025.

DID YOU UNDERSTAND?
Toney switched agents in the summer in a move that signaled he could seek a new club in the not too distant future. The former Peterborough United player scored 21 goals in all competitions for Brentford last season and the year prior to that he bagged 14 as well.

WHAT NEXT FOR TONEY?
Brentford could be planning for transfer bids to come their way for their prized asset when the January window starts next month.