Ivan Toney: Brentford boss Thomas Frank addresses transfer rumours amid Arsenal and Chelsea January interest

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has provided an update on Ivan Toney's future amid transfer interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
Toney is currently moving into the final weeks of his eight-month suspension after admitting to breaching the FA's betting rules earlier this year. He will be available to feature for the Bees again on January 18, though by then he could have moved on, with both Arsenal and Chelsea said to be interested in signing him when the winter transfer window opens.

WHAT FRANK SAID
Brentford manager Frank was quizzed on his star striker's future in an interview with the Evening Standard and insisted that he did not expect the club to sell him. "Everyone saw what he did last year. It’s not like he broke a leg or did his ACL, so he’s fit and probably even more ambitious to get success. I’m convinced he will be absolutely on it. I don’t want to lose him. I hope, and think, he’ll be a Brentford player on February 1," he said.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Toney enjoyed a superb 2022-23 season before it was cut short by his ban, notching 20 Premier League goals - the third-highest in the division behind Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Tottenham's Harry Kane. It's understood that the Bees want at least £80 million ($99m) for their prized asset this January, though some reports have even claimed that they are holding out for a whopping £100m ($126m).
Arsenal's interest in Toney is long-standing, with current starting striker Gabriel Jesus recently insisting that he isn't paying any attention to rumours that he could be replaced in the starting XI. Meanwhile, Chelsea, another of the England international's suitors, have lacked goals this season. Summer signing Christopher Nkunku is yet to feature due to injury, while Nicolas Jackson has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.

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WHAT NEXT?
We are set for quite the transfer saga this January. Brentford have not lost hope of keeping hold of Toney, though. Recently, it was said that the centre-forward was even considering penning a new contract at the Gtech Community Stadium. His current deal expires at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

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