According to Brentford boss Thomas Frank, it would be ‘very cheap’ if Ivan Toney was sold to the likes of Arsenal for just £40m this summer.
It is well known that the Gunners intend to strengthen Arteta’s project this summer with a move for a top striker. Ivan Toney has spent a significant portion of this season linked to a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Some suggest the Brentford striker would be the ideal No. 9 for this Arsenal team and prove to be an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus.
Earlier this week, reports gave Arsenal a significant boost in their pursuit of Toney after claiming the striker could be snapped up for around £40m this summer. Given that his price tag was rumoured to be nearer £100 million in the winter, £40m would be a bargain.
‘Cheap’ deal for Toney
Brentford boss Thomas Frank was asked about the reported price-tag and claimed it would be ‘very cheap’ if Toney was sold for £40m given the player is capable of scoring 20+ goals in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old scored 20 league goals in 33 games last season. He has only managed 4 in 13 games this term, but his season was hugely interrupted by his 8-month betting ban.
Via the Standard, Frank said:
“Normally I don’t go into these price labels, but I would say that’s very cheap for a 20-goal goalscorer in the Premier League.”
I think Frank is probably right in saying it would be a bargain if the likes of Arsenal could sign Toney for £40m, given some of the price-tags we’ve seen in recent years.
However, he’ll only have one year left on his contract this summer so Brentford won’t get anywhere near the £100m they were demanding in January.
It’s going to be interesting to see who Arsenal eventually go for this summer. Alternative options like Viktor Gyokeres and Santiago Gimenez have also been linked in recent weeks, so it seems Arteta is keeping his options open.
