Tottenham have seemingly been handed a boost in their rumoured pursuit of Ivan Toney, with The Daily Mirror now reporting that Arsenal are unlikely to sign the Brentford star in January.
Toney remains one of the most sought-after strikers in the Premier League, having arguably been one of the best Premier League number nines, along with Harry Kane, in the two years prior to his ban.
The Independent claimed on December 20 that while Tottenham would love to sign the 27-year-old, the Lilywhites had been priced out of a move for the striker after Brentford put an £80m price tag on their star man.
The outlet suggested that the centre-forward did not particularly fancy a move to Stamford Bridge and thus looks likely to end up at the Emirates Stadium in January.
Arsenal move unlikely for Ivan Toney in January
However, The Mirror have now claimed that the Gunners are unlikely to be able to afford a move for Toney in January unless they make a significant sale.
Given the money that Mikel Arteta’s men have spent over recent years, it is explained that they have to tread carefully to ensure they stay within the Premier League’s spending rules.
With Arsenal prioritising adding reinforcements in defence, it is alleged that a move for Toney now looks unlikely.
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If Toney does not sign a new contract at Brentford, he will only have a year left on his deal at the Gtech Community Stadium next summer. That will mean that his price would likely drop down to around £50m, which will bring Tottenham back into the race for the 27-year-old.