09 January 2024 , 09:38
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Rio Ferdinand has shot down Arsenal’s chances of sealing a sensational January deal for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The Gunners are in desperate need of attacking recruits after a poor run of form that has seen their Premier League title challenge stutter. Mikel Arteta ’s side also spurned a host of chances as they were eliminated from the FA Cup by Liverpool.
A long-term option for the Gunners has been Brentford star Toney. He has regularly been linked with a move to the Emirates - especially more so as he closes in on a Premier League return after his betting ban.
However, former Man United star Ferdinand is not convinced that he will be making a big-money switch to North London. Speaking on his Vibe with Five Podcast, he said: “No way. Toney don’t go to Arsenal. Brentford fan telling you. Facts.”
Toney, 27, is set to make his return from his betting ban. He scored a hat-trick for Brentford B’s side against Southampton under-23s.
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Speaking ahead of returning to action, the striker said: “It's always unfinished business when you haven’t been playing for a while. It's in your head. It’s like, I can't wait to get back and do what everybody's not expecting me to.
Ivan Toney is closing in on his Brentford return (Getty Images)Will Ivan Toney still be a Brentford player at the end of the transfer window? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“I know that there are a lot of people thinking: ‘Can he do this, or can he do that?’, or ‘How's he gonna be when he gets back?’ I know what I'm capable of, so I guess when I get onto the pitch I’ll just do what I do best.”
While Toney continues to be linked with a move away from Brentford, any club interested in his services have a battle on their hands to sign him. Toney has 18 months left on his contract with the Bees, while it is suggested that they would demand over £100m to cash in.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank also gave his view on a potential deal recently and underlined the club’s high demands for the striker. Speaking in a press conference, the Dane said: “He's a Brentford player, he's here. Clearly, we have missed a few offensive players and I can't see why we should sell him. I would love to have him here for a long time.”
He added: “If I could ever, ever, ever recommend something, and it's not for me to say 'yes' or 'no', that's up to Phil [Giles] and Matthew [Benham], I would say it needs to be an unbelievable price."
Toney joined Brentford from Peterborough back in 2020 and he has gone on to score 68 goals in 124 appearances - 32 of those strikes coming in the Premier League.