Thomas Partey to block Ivan Toney Arsenal transfer in January as fresh details emerge
Reports suggest that Arsenal may postpone their efforts to secure the services of Brentford striker Ivan Toney during the January transfer window due to the injury sustained by Thomas Partey.
Mikel Arteta’s team had prioritized the acquisition of Ivan Toney before the January transfer window, and both Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly approached the 27-year-old striker. However, Brentford is holding firm on their demand for a minimum of £80 million for Toney.
Despite his impressive 20-goal performance in the previous Premier League season, Toney is currently serving an eight-month ban for accepting 232 breaches of the Football Association’s betting rules.
MailOnline reports that Arsenal’s focus for the upcoming transfer window might shift due to the news of Thomas Partey’s injury. Partey is expected to be sidelined until at least the beginning of 2024 following surgery on his injured thigh.
According to the report, Arsenal is deeply concerned about the significant portion of the season that Thomas Partey is expected to miss due to his injury. As a result, the Gunners are now considering the possibility of bringing in a new midfielder to address this concern.
Recent reports indicate that Arsenal’s primary target for the midfield position is Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa.
Despite making several offers for the Brazilian last year, Arsenal faced rejection from Villa. Subsequently, Douglas Luiz extended his stay with the club by signing a new contract, binding him to Aston Villa until 2026.
Additionally, Arsenal has maintained their interest in Martin Zubimendi, the midfielder from Real Sociedad.
However, despite the club’s approach in January, the 24-year-old is reluctant to leave the Spanish club before the conclusion of the current campaign.
Zubimendi, who has a €60 million (£52.6m) release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad, expressed that it would be ‘illogical’ for him to change clubs midway through the season.
Thomas Partey to block Ivan Toney Arsenal transfer in January as fresh details emerge