Ivan Toney: Brentford Star Excites Arsenal Fans With Social Media Activity Ahead of Transfer Window

• Arsenal have received a subtle boost in their reported pursuit of Ivan Toney
• The Brentford striker will be available from January 17 after serving his ban
• He scored 20 goals last season to underlines his credentials as a top striker

Ivan Toney has sent ripples of excitement across the Arsenal fanbase with his latest social media activity.

The Brentford striker is expected to be a hot commodity as the January transfer window approaches despite his long-term absence from football.

Toney was handed an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules. The ban is set to end next month, opening a return to competitive football for the forward.

The English forward has attracted interest from a number of clubs, with Arsenal believed to be leading the race to land the 27-year-old.

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As it may turn out, the interest may be mutual if Toney's latest Instagram activity is anything to go by. The forward took to his account to share a couple of pictures of himself, captioned as 'HIM'.

Top Boy actor, Michael Ward commented on the post, saying,

"Arsenal, do the right thing."

Toney liked the comment, sending the Gunners faithful into hysteria. Sky Sports reports that Brentford head coach, Thomas Frank has previously indicated the club will want not less than £100 million to let go of the striker, whose contract expires in 18 months.

How Arsenal could play with Toney

Mikel Arteta could do with a striker of Toney's profile if they are to challenge for the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League. Gabriel Jesus has admitted that goals are not his strong forte despite improving Arsenal's all-round play.

Eddie Nketiah, meanwhile, has been a reliable deputy but can be depended on to challenge for titles. Toney scored 20 goals last season before his ban. Arteta could deploy him as a target man with Jesus playing in the free number 10 role.

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However, the Bees' resolve to release the striker in January, given that Yoane Wissa will be away at AFCON with DR Congo and Bryan Mbeumo is currently out injured, will be severely tested. The January window opens in less than ten days.

Ivan Toney to pose a problem for Chelsea

Sports Brief has also reported that Chelsea are believed to be among the frontrunners to sign Toney in January to shore up their numbers in attack.

The Blues will reportedly move in for him either in January or the summer of next year but might face challenges due to recent changes in UEFA's rules.