Arsenal have been given the green light to sign a Brentford player alongside striker Ivan Toney after he admitted how much he likes watching the Gunners under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of Toney, who has gone from strength to strength at Brentford. Last term, the striker managed 14 goals in 37 matches in all competitions. And he is on course to improve on that figure after hitting eight goals in 13 appearances this season.
Toney’s last league strikes came against Brighton on October 14. He captained Brentford and notched both of their goals in a 2-0 home victory.
The Northampton-born player has hit form at the perfect time. He could force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup, which is now just weeks away.
Arsenal are not the only potential suitors for Toney. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on his situation.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Toney’s great start to the campaign has seen his price tag rise to £40-45million.
While this would make him Brentford’s record sale by some distance, such a fee is achievable for Arsenal and the rest of the ‘Big Six’.
For example, Arsenal have spent more than £45m on Nicolas Pepe (£72m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£60m) and Ben White (£50m).
Brentford man speaks highly of Arsenal
Toney might not be the only Bees star Arsenal capture in 2023. That’s because Arsenal have just discovered how highly Sergi Canos rates them.
During an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca (via Sport Witness), the winger was asked about Arsenal’s improvement under Arteta. And he did something players rarely do by praising an English rival highly.
“I see them doing very well,” Canos admitted. “I like the way they work as a team, it’s a pleasure to watch them play. Although they haven’t yet had that dip in performance that all teams tend to have.
“When that happens, they will have to show how strong they are as a group. I would like them to win the Premiership.”
These comments will be interesting for senior Arsenal officials to hear. Perhaps they will start to keep an eye on Canos and see if he does well in the future. Clearly, he would be open to an Emirates transfer if such an opportunity arose.
Canos has good pedigree, having spent time in the Barcelona and Liverpool academies. And he played a big role in Brentford gaining promotion to the Prem, having a hand in 19 goals during the 2020-21 season.
Canos has endured a disappointing campaign this time around, partly down to injury. He will be looking to get back into Thomas Frank’s first team and then potentially impress Arsenal scouts.
The 25-year-old could work well with Arteta at Arsenal. They are Spanish compatriots, which would help Canos slot in seamlessly in north London.
Sergi Canos transfer to Arsenal unlikely
But there is good reason to suggest Arsenal don’t need to add Canos to their squad. That’s because the wide areas are already brimming with talent.
Arteta can use Gabriel Martinelli on the left and Bukayo Saka on the right. Emile Smith Rowe will be available for selection there too, once he returns from a groin problem.
Brazilian teenager Marquinhos, meanwhile, is hoping to challenge Saka for his starting spot in the future.
The 25-year-old could work well with Arteta at Arsenal. They are Spanish compatriots, which would help Canos slot in seamlessly in north London.
Sergi Canos transfer to Arsenal unlikely
But there is good reason to suggest Arsenal don’t need to add Canos to their squad. That’s because the wide areas are already brimming with talent.
Arteta can use Gabriel Martinelli on the left and Bukayo Saka on the right. Emile Smith Rowe will be available for selection there too, once he returns from a groin problem.
Brazilian teenager Marquinhos, meanwhile, is hoping to challenge Saka for his starting spot in the future.