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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
1Liverpool21155150203050
2Arsenal21127241192243
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest21125430201041
4Newcastle UnitedNewcastle22115638261238
5Chelsea21107441261537
6Bournemouth22107536261037
7Manchester CityMan City2110563829935
8Aston Villa2110563132-135
9Fulham228953430433
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2171043229331
11Brentford2284104039128
12Crystal Palace226972528-327
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd217592629-326
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2275102743-1626
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs21731143321124
16Everton203891526-1117
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2144133148-1716
18Ipswich TownIpswich2137112037-1716
19Leicester CityLeicester2235142348-2514
20Southampton2113171347-346


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