Ivan Toney is ‘really excited about joining Arsenal’ as the Gunners emerge as the front-runners for the Brentford star… but Bryan Mbeumo’s injury could see Bees cling on to the talismanic striker

• 27-year-old will return to competitive action no earlier than January 17 after ban 
• But Brentford will feel Mbeumo’s loss keenly and try to hold onto the striker 
• CHRIS SUTTON: I feel sorry for Rasmus Hojlund, Man U wingers are out for themselves – It’s All Kicking Off

Ivan Toney is ‘excited’ about the prospect of joining Arsenal, with the north London club the front-runner for the striker’s signature in the January window, according to reports. 

The future of the Brentford star – who hasn’t seen competitive league action since May as he continues to serve an eight-month suspension for betting breaches – has been hotly contested since the summer transfer window. 

Toney’s prolific Premier League form has caught the eye of a number of suitors, most notably the Gunners and London rivals Chelsea. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are in desperate need of attacking firepower, and are thought to be prioritising recruitments in forward positions when they enter the market. 

Tottenham too could field an interest in the player, with former Spurs legend Teddy Sheringham urging Ange Postecoglou to consider beating their north London rivals to the transfer.  

Ivan Toney is thought to be ‘excited’ about the prospect of joining Arsenal in January window

Mikel Arteta is thought to be in pole position to snatch the signature of the Brentford star

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But as per transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, they may have to find alternative options as Toney focuses his ambition elsewhere. 

‘From what I’m hearing, this is one more detail on Ivan Toney,’ Romano shared on his Kick channel. 

‘This is a rumour I’m hearing that his preference in terms of a top club move in January or the summer would be to go to Arsenal.

‘From what I’m hearing Ivan Toney could be really excited by the possibility of joining Arsenal.’

The 27-year-old previously appeared to hint at an Arsenal connection when he shared a post on Instagram celebrating Declan Rice’s late winner against Luton – before deleting it amid a flurry of speculation.  

Toney can return to competitive action on January 17, but has already taken part in a number of friendly fixtures, scoring twice in closed-door ties. 

The Bees will be keen to cling on to their star striker after the loss of one of their lynchpin players due to injury. 

Bryan Mbeumo has been sidelined for at least 12 weeks after picking up an ankle issue during a Premier League tie against Brighton, in a serious blow to Thomas Frank’s plans for the second-half of the season. 

Before his injury, Mbeumo had scored seven goals and assisted four more for the west London side. 

In November, reports circulated that Toney – who could be worth over £100million in the market – was ‘torn’ over his immediate future. 

Bryan Mbeumo picked up a long-term ankle injury during Brentford’s clash with Brighton

Bees manager Thomas Frank has said he would keep Toney ‘forever’ at the west London club

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27-year-old is thought to be torn about leaving the club that supported him through his ban

‘Brentford have stood by him and the club have been brilliant,’ a source shared. ‘Part of him wants to help them by hitting the ground running straight away in January and scoring the goals which will ensure they stay in the Premier League.

‘There are a lot of clubs interested in Ivan but his focus, for now, is getting back on the pitch at Brentford and doing the business for his manager Thomas Frank, to whom he feels he has a big debt to repay. The same goes for the fans.’

Frank previously publicly urged his striker to stay at the club, saying that he wished that Toney would stay ‘forever’. 

The Bees are in a strong bargaining position with any potential bidders for Toney’s signature, as the marksman has 18 months remaining on his current deal.  

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