Ivan Toney opens door to Arsenal transfer with 'big-club' admission amid January timeframe

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has reiterated his desire to play for a 'top club' amid speculation linking him with a January transfer move to Arsenal.

The England international has been strongly tipped to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium for some time after impressing with Brentford since promotion to the Premier League. Toney has netted 35 goals in the last two seasons and has been identified as a potential candidate to improve the Gunners' attacking line.

Toney hasn't played football since the end of last season after the Football Association suspended him for admitting to 232 breaches of their betting rules. He will return to action this weekend for the Bees against Nottingham Forest but speculation is set to intensify over the remainder of the window.

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In a recent interview with Sky Sports, the former Peterborough United star has insisted that he wants to play for a «top club competing for trophies» in his career at some point. And whilst the words may be music to the ears of Arsenal supporters, the 27-year-old remained coy on when that time will come.

«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,» he said. «Everybody wants to play for a top club, that is fighting for titles. Whether it's this January this is the right 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."

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