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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
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


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