Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has opened up about his future with the club, responding to recent reports linking the Gunners with a potential move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney in the upcoming January transfer window. The 24-year-old made his debut for the England national team during a recent match against Australia, coming on as a substitute for goalscorer Ollie Watkins late in the game.
Nketiah’s journey this season has seen him score two goals in eight Premier League appearances, yet he finds himself out of the first-choice lineup under the management of Mikel Arteta. Although Gabriel Jesus started the season sidelined due to injury, he has now surpassed the England international in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
With both Nketiah and Jesus encountering difficulties in consistently finding the back of the net for Arsenal, speculation has arisen regarding their potential interest in Ivan Toney. Toney recently switched agents, indicating his desire to secure a move away from Brentford upon the conclusion of his suspension from professional football.
Arsenal’s Pursuit of Ivan Toney and Financial Considerations
Ivan Toney is presently serving an eight-month ban from football but has made his return to training and playing for Brentford. His comeback featured a match against Italian side Como, in which Toney found the back of the net. Brentford has set an asking price of £60 million for Toney, and should Arsenal aim to secure his services, they may need to make player sales to adhere to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. This necessity follows their substantial £200 million spending spree during the summer transfer window.
Discussing his decision to extend his contract with Arsenal last summer, Nketiah explained that his love for the club played a significant role in his choice. He emphasized the special connection he has with London, deeming it his home, and expressed his lifelong allegiance to the Arsenal, underscoring the club’s importance in his life.
