Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is at the centre of recent transfer speculation involving Brentford striker Ivan Toney, whose potential move to the Emirates Stadium has been a topic of discussion throughout the summer. Despite Arsenal’s strong start to the 2024/25 Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, the club’s transfer activities continue to dominate headlines.
The Gunners have already strengthened their squad with the acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori and are expected to finalise a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino before the transfer window closes. However, Toney, who has been linked with Arsenal for several transfer windows, remains a focal point of interest.
Toney, who is entering the final year of his contract with Brentford, has attracted attention from multiple clubs, including Arsenal and their north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. The uncertainty surrounding his future led to his omission from Brentford’s squad for their opening Premier League match, intensifying speculation about a potential transfer.
Reports from June suggested that Toney had agreed on personal terms with Tottenham, but Spurs have since signed Dominic Solanke. Nevertheless, rumours persist that Toney could still be on Tottenham’s radar.
A surprising twist in the Toney-Arsenal narrative emerged recently on social media, where a conversation revealed an unexpected encounter between the striker and Mikel Arteta.
According to a post by a well-respected source, Paul Keefe, on X (formerly Twitter), Toney and Arteta met to discuss a potential transfer before the European Championships. However the meeting has been described as a ‘total car crash’ and a ‘disaster of a meeting’.
Keefe’s post stated, “He (Toney) met with Arteta. Was a car crash way before Euros. It was a disaster of a meeting.” This revelation has sparked speculation that the awkward nature of their meeting might deter Arteta from pursuing a deal for Toney, despite the player’s reduced market value, which is reportedly between £15 million and £30 million.
According to other sources, the Arsenal manager was least impressed with Toney’s character and attitude which is why Arsenal are yet to pursue a deal for the striker this summer.
Brentford’s high asking price has previously been a significant factor in retaining Toney, but with the striker entering the final year of his contract, the club’s stance appears to have softened. The potential availability of Toney for as little as £30 million presents a bargain for a proven Premier League goal scorer.
