Fabrizio Romano teases Arsenal and Chelsea fans with cryptic transfer tweet

Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Arsenal may have stepped up their interest in Brentford star Ivan Toney.

On Monday, the Mirror claimed that Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Toney ahead of the January transfer window.

Mikel Arteta is said to be eyeing a move for the Brentford striker in an attempt to bolster the Gunners' title challenge.

Meanwhile, Brentford are said to be open to a sale, but will demand at least £60million for the centre forward, who has returned to training after serving half of his eight month ban for breaching the FA's betting regulations.

And transfer guru Romano has corroborated claims the Gunners may have stepped up their interest in Toney.

On X, the social media platform formally known as Twitter, the Italian journalist conspicuously commented on a week-old post from fellow journalist Eduardo Hagn.

Hagn had referenced Romano when claiming Arsenal and Chelsea have asked for the conditions on a potential Toney deal.

Six days after the original tweet was sent Romano commented with a smiley face emoji and 'the eyes' emoji, potentially suggesting there have been developments in the clubs' pursuit of the England international.

Toney will be able to play again in January after completing his betting suspension and as per the Mirror Arsenal have got him firmly in their sights.

Arteta wants to sign a proven goalscorer and add physical presence to his attack, with Toney fitting the bill on both fronts, having netted 20 goals in the top flight last season.

Brentford are said to be aware of Toney's desire to move to a more established club and the 27-year-old will only have 18 months left on his deal there upon his return in January.‌

The forward has made it clear that he is not keen on signing a new deal.

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Topics: Football, Arsenal, Chelsea, Fabrizio Romano, Ivan Toney, Transfers, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.