Toney on six-man Arsenal transfer shortlist as Arteta outlines summer plans

07 March 2024 , 16:09

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Ivan Toney is on Arsenal's list of striker targets (Image: Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out a move for Ivan Toney.

And the Arsenal boss insists that his team’s incredible scoring run has not changed his transfer plans this summer. Arteta’s in-form Arsenal have smashed 31 goals in their last seven Premier League games even though centre forward Gabriel Jesus has been out injured for much of that period.

Arsenal are long term admirers of Brentford striker Toney who will face the Gunners at the Emirates on Saturday. Toney, 27, will only have one year left on his current deal at Brentford this summer and they are braced for an auction with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham watching developments.

Brentford’s £80m price tag might be a factor in Arsenal’s thoughts but Arteta was specifically asked whether he could rule out a move for Toney this summer. “I don’t talk about any other player,” said Arteta, side stepping the question. "If not I’ll have to rule out every other player in the market because we’re linked with a lot of players.”

Arsenal are likely to move for a new centre forward this summer despite their remarkable record-breaking run of goal scoring which means they now have a far superior goal difference to title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. But Arsenal’s plans to shake up their forward line have not changed despite Kai Havertz’s impressive form as a false nine.

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Arteta added: “The plans that we have for the summer are very clear. They were done almost at the start of the season understanding what we can have, the contract situations with some players, and how we can improve certain areas of the team. This situation doesn’t change that."

Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres has been watched by Arsenal scouts (AFP via Getty Images)

The Gunners have also scouted RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres while Wolves winger Pedro Neto and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams are also on their radar. Arsenal remain keen on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The summer spree could also see them offload Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah which would enable another round of spending to strengthen the squad.

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John Cross