Player changes agent as Arsenal eye blockbuster Jan deal, £40k/wk ace could be sold – report

Arsenal are keen to bolster their forward department in the January window, and they have earmarked Ivan Toney as a potential option.

The 27-year-old striker is out of contract at the end of next season and he is valued at around £80m, although Arsenal would be hoping that a lower bid in the £50m to £60m range would be eventually accepted.

Toney – who was the third-highest scorer in the Premier League last season – is banned from playing football until January 16 for breaching FA betting rules.

The Gunners still want to sign him during the mid-season, but they may need to offload some of their fringe players to fund the move. According to The Times, Toney has changed agents with a view to taking the next step in his career.

Fringe players to leave?

Emile Smith Rowe – who was targeted by Chelsea during the summer window – is one of the prime candidates to be sold, although Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire to keep him at the club.

The 23-year-old midfielder has two years left on his £40k-per-week deal at the north London club and needs to prove his worth to safeguard his future.

Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are the other two players who could be offloaded in January. Nketiah has been brilliant in patches, but he has lacked consistency.

Paul Merson recently said that Nketiah doesn’t have what it takes to help Arsenal win the Premier League and that’s why a potent forward is required.

Toney has been outstanding for Brentford over the years and the Bees are reluctant to lose him. But, a potential deal can be struck if the Gunners come up with a big offer.