Arsenal need to sell several players to fund a big-money move for Brentford star Ivan Toney, it has been reported.
Toney is currently serving an eight-month ban from football imposed by the FA by betting breaches.
He has not played in the 2023/24 season as a result, but he will be able to return to football in mid-January - opening the door for a potential January transfer.
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According to Sky Sports, Brentford are demanding a fee of £100 million for their star striker, and are keen to keep him for at least the rest of the season as they push for European football under Thomas Frank.
As a result, Arsenal would need to sell to buy, given concerns over Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and the big-spending summer which saw them splash out over £200 million on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
The Gunners did manage to secure a number of major sales over the summer, with Granit Xhaka and Folarin Balogun leaving for a combined fee of £50 million. Fringe players Pablo Mari and Rob Holding were among the other senior players to depart the Emirates Stadium.
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But according to The Athletic, Arsenal will need to raise a significant sum of money in order to fund the signing of the 27-year-old in January.
As per Transfermarkt values, the Gunners may need to sell a number of first team players to raise enough to match Brentford's valuation of the striker.
Fringe centre-back Jakub Kiwior (€25 million) and defensive midfielder Thomas Partey (€35 million) could both be sacrificed, with a number of clubs having expressed interest in the latter.
A wildcard option could be goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (€30 million), given his lack of gametime since being usurped by David Raya as Arsenal's shot-stopper in the Premier League and Champions League.
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Emile Smith Rowe, meanwhile, is valued at €30 million by Transfermarkt, and would bring up the quartet of players that Arteta may need to sell if he decides to look for more first team opportunities elsewhere.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Arsenal, Ivan Toney, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Transfers, Brentford