Arsenal have yet to decide whether they will make a bid for Brentford striker Ivan Toney when the transfer window reopens in January, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the England international, along with Chelsea, in recent days but, when asked if Mikel Arteta’s side will make a concerted effort to sign the player, Ornstein replied:

“Naturally, there is some admiration for Toney at Arsenal – like there is at other clubs. Arsenal decided against recruiting a striker in the summer and focused on other positions. That obviously makes everyone wonder if a striker is next on the agenda.”

“As things stand, I’m not aware of them actively being in the market for one and even if that changes – which is obviously possible, depending on how results and team/individual performances go in the weeks ahead – there’s no guarantee it will be Toney.”

“His contract expires in the summer of 2025 and while Brentford would love him to extend, there is no sign of it at the moment. Unless that changes, they’ll need to at least consider a sale. And his changes of agents to CAA Stellar suggests he may be keen to move in January or the summer. But his price will be very high and can Arsenal (if they want him) afford that?”

Toney’s price tag could be an issue for Arsenal

As Ornstein mentions, there are question marks over whether the Gunners can afford the player. Financial Fair Play may restrict the London club’s ability in the transfer market, and the evidence for that is the loan deal for David Raya.

Clearly, they would have signed the Spaniard on a permanent basis if they could, but they negotiated terms that allow them to delay paying most of his fee until next summer if they want to keep him.

With Toney’s asking price said to be around £60m, it may be the case that Arsenal would have to sell someone in the New Year in order to finance their bid for the striker.