Arsenal ‘identify backup option as Brentford demand £80m for Toney but they will be forced to sell three academy stars’

ARSENAL have reportedly identified a backup option for Ivan Toney as they are set to be priced out by Brenford’s demands.

The Gunners are said to be interested in signing Toney in January once he returns from his ban for FA betting breaches.

ReutersArsenal are keen on signing Ivan Toney, but it could reportedly cost them £80m[/caption]

GettyThe Gunners are said to be interested in Santiago Giménez of Feyenoord[/caption]

But it’s been said that the North London outfit would have to fork out around £80million if they were to get their man.

With a price tag that high it’s likely that Mikel Arteta and Co will have to turn their attention elsewhere.

And according to The Times, Arsenal are considering a move for Santiago Giménez if they can’t get their hands on Toney.

Gimenez is currently plying his trade for Feyenoord in the Eredivise who he joined last summer from Mexican side Cruz Azul.

And at just 22-years-old he has already managed 32 goals and five assists for the Dutch club since he joined last July.

That includes a stunning record so far this season with nine goals and two assists in just six league appearances.

But as rosey as it sounds to have found an ample replacement for mega-bucks Toney, they will still have to shift on some players if they’re to afford Giminez.

It is said that Arsenal would have to rebalance their Financial Fair Play books if they’re to be able to bring in either player before this June.

FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS

GettyGimenez has already scored nine league goals in six appearances this season[/caption]

GettyA move for either striker could see Arsenal having to move on some academy talent[/caption]

And it’s Hale End trio Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson who are reportedly the most likely to be moved on.

All three have worked their way up through the ranks in Arsenal’s academy and so would be considered pure profit from an FFP point of view if they were to be sold.

Nketiah is often chosen behind Gabriel Jesus when the Brazilian is fit whilst Reiss Nelson has found it tough to get minutes at the Emirates Stadium behind the electric duo of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Meanwhile Smith Rowe has fallen way down Arteta’s pecking order and didn’t start a single Premier League game last season.

However the 23-year-old is a fan favourite with the Emirates faithful and was on the receiving end of a huge reception when he came on against PSV in Arsenal’s 4-0 Champions League win.

GettyEddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson could be forced to move on to make room for a new centre forward[/caption]

GettyEmile Smith Rowe could finally see an end to his time with Arsenal after being away from the first team frame for a prolonged period[/caption]

ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates