Ivan Toney: Arsenal Transfer Target Scores Hat-Trick in Brentford Friendly Ahead of Return

• Ivan Toney has given fans a glimpse of what he will offer once he returns to action
• The forward netted a hat-trick during Brentford's friendly clash against Southampton
• Toney had been serving an eight-month ban from all football-related activities

Brentford forward Ivan Toney was thrice on target during his side's friendly clash against Sunderland on Saturday.

The Englishman is nearing a return to first-team action after serving a football ban.

According to ESPN, Toney has been serving an eight-month suspension from all football-related activities for gambling.

However, the ban is set to lapse in the coming days, and the forward could be available for selection when the Bees take on Nottingham Forest on January 20.

As part of his preparations for his imminent return, BBC reports that the 27-year-old played 75 minutes of his side's 5-1 win over Southampton's U23s in a behind-closed-doors encounter.

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Toney went on to net a hat trick during the tie, netting twice in the first half before he completed a treble after the break.

He last scored back in October during another friendly against Italian side Como.

Toney linked with Arsenal move

Meanwhile, the Englishman's hat-trick came at a time when he has continually been linked with a possible move to Arsenal.

The Gunners are understood to be hunting for a prolific goalscorer during the January transfer window.

Toney is believed to have been identified as a possible candidate for the role to help them challenge for the Premier League title.

However, the north Londoners will have to contend with competition from rivals Chelsea, who are also understood to be keen on his services.