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Arsenal 'drop interest in 28-year-old Premier League striker'

Arsenal 'drop interest in 28-year-old Premier League striker'
© Reuters
Arsenal are reportedly willing to give up their pursuit of Brentford striker Ivan Toney following the impressive form of Kai Havertz.

Arsenal have reportedly dropped their interest in Brentford forward Ivan Toney.

The Gunners are believed to be looking to recruit a new number nine following concerns over Gabriel Jesus' form and injury issues.

Jesus has scored just four goals in 26 Premier League appearances, while he has also spent some time on the sidelines with knee and hamstring issues.

The Brazil international has fallen down the pecking order following the fine form of Kai Havertz, who has scored eight goals in his last 13 Premier League matches.

While Havertz has proven that he can lead the line, Arsenal have been linked with a number of centre-forward targets, including Brentford's Toney.

Brentford's Ivan Toney on April 3, 2024© Reuters

Arsenal give up Toney pursuit

The England international garnered significant interest when he returned from an eight-month betting ban in the middle of the January transfer window.

Toney scored four goals in his first five games upon his return, but he has since experienced a significant drop-off in form, failing to find the net in any of his last 11 Premier League appearances.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are cooling their interest in Toney, making it highly unlikely that he will move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The report also claims the Gunners are set to end their pursuit of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak, who had previously been regarded as one of Arsenal's main targets.

Following the form of Havertz, Arsenal believe that they no longer need to sign a striker who is the finished product, but rather a younger player who can develop and work his way into the starting lineup.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank celebrates with Ivan Toney after the match on January 20, 2024© Reuters

Toney still heading towards Brentford exit

Although a move to Arsenal may be off the cards, Toney is still expected to end his four-year association with Brentford this summer.

The 28-year-old is set to enter the final year of his contract, and there is no indication that he will sign a new deal.

As a result, the upcoming summer transfer window will present the Bees with one final chance to demand a considerable transfer fee for Toney.

Tottenham are believed to be leading the race to sign the Brentford forward, who is reportedly set to command a fee in the region of £50m.

West Ham have also been mooted as a potential suitor, while it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will renew their pursuit after being linked with a move in the winter transfer window.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


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