Ivan Toney's potential loan move to Arsenal has been thwarted due to current Premier League rules that would block the deal going through. The Gunners have been heavily linked with a switch for the England international, who is serving the final month of his ban for breaches of FA betting regulations.
The Brentford forward has impressed since reaching the Premier League stage, offering a keen ability off the ball as well as the goalscoring aspect expected of him. His first season in the top flight saw him bag 12 goals on the way towards the Bees staying in the division comfortably.
That was only improved on further the following campaign, breaking the 20-goal mark as his side continued to establish themselves. The ban came as a huge blow to his progress, but that hasn't stopped potential suitors looking at a move, with Toney now stepping up his training ahead of a potential return next month.
A link with a switch to the Emirates makes sense, given questions over their ability to show a clinical edge in front of goal during tight matches. Mikel Arteta was coy when asked about a striker back in September, but did name drop Toney when it came to listing those performing at the top level.
«We're not thinking at all about that [signing a striker],» the manager said. «We have really good players up front. It’s true we have some injuries, but we will continue with the players that we’ve got that’s for sure.» When asked why traditional number nines have become rarer, he added: «It's coming back, no? There are a few players when you look at Harry Kane, Haaland, Ivan Toney, Mitrovic. You have examples of players who score a lot of goals.»
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE — Huge injury worry, Douglas Luiz update, Victor Osimhen twist
Read on football.london