Arsenal is expected to be active in the upcoming January transfer window, despite potential limitations on their spending. Mikel Arteta has been informed that he would need to pay £80 million for Ivan Toney, his chief target, as indicated by a report from the Evening Standard. Toney, who is currently playing for Brentford, is serving a ban but will be available to play again in January. This has sparked interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.
The Gunners have had a successful start to the season and remain one of only two Premier League teams that are unbeaten so far. Arteta attributes this success to the fine work they did in the summer transfer window, including breaking their transfer record to sign Declan Rice from West Ham for over £100 million. However, the January window is expected to be less extravagant in terms of spending for Arsenal, as they have already utilized most of their budget from the summer transfers and have a permanent move for David Raya imminent.
Despite potential financial limitations, Arsenal is still willing to make a deal happen if the right opportunity arises. The £80 million valuation for Ivan Toney could potentially be met by the club, although it remains to be seen if they are willing to pay that amount. Toney’s availability in January and Arsenal‘s need for a quality striker could make him an attractive option for Arteta.
If Arsenal were to sign Toney, it would likely mean that one of their current strikers, either Eddie Nketiah or Gabriel Jesus, would have to seek opportunities elsewhere. Arteta is known to be a big fan of Nketiah, so it is speculated that Jesus, despite his skill, could be the one to make way for Toney’s arrival. It is believed that Nketiah could benefit from learning from an experienced striker like Toney.
The upcoming January transfer window will reveal whether Arsenal is willing to pay the £80 million asking price for Ivan Toney. Given their strong start to the season and potential need for a quality striker, it could be a significant move for the club if they decide to pursue the deal.
