Arsenal set for transfer misery with Thomas Frank desperate for Ivan Toney to fire Brentford to Premier League safety

ARSENAL could miss out on main target Ivan Toney – because of Brentford’s dismal form.

SunSport has learned Thomas Frank is “desperate” to hold on to the England hitman to stop the Bees’ slide towards the drop zone. 

ReutersThomas Frank is determined to have Ivan Toney fire Brentford to safety[/caption]

ReutersMikel Arteta has the striker at the top of his transfer wishlist[/caption]

They were thrashed 4-1 at home by Wolves last night, their sixth Premier League defeat in seven games, and they now face a fight for survival.

And a source told SunSport Brentford’s manager wants Toney to be a part of that fightback when he returns from his gambling ban after scoring 20 top-flight goals in 2022-23.

Toney, 27, was fined £50,000 and suspended for eight months in May but is now back training with the West London club – and is eligible to return to competitive action from January 17.

The source said: “Arsenal might have Toney at the top of their list, but as far as Brentford and Thomas Frank is concerned he is a Brentford player and they are desperate to have him back in the squad.

“Frank thinks he can help turn their season around.

“The idea they are just getting to let their best player go and slide towards relegation is madness. 

“With each passing day, it’s looking more like he will stay and then, if he does go, it will be over the summer.”

Our story will come as a big blow to Mikel Arteta who reportedly believes Toney could be the missing piece in the jigsaw to win the title.

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But last month we revealed Toney is torn over a January move. 

A source close to the player said Toney – who admitted to 232 betting rule breaches – feels he has a “debt to repay” to Brentford and to manager Frank which means any move could be shelved until the end of the season. 

The source said: “A lot of people assume Ivan will be on his way after Christmas, but no deal has been done – and nothing has been decided.

“Ivan is torn over his future. Brentford have stood by him and the club have been brilliant.

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“Part of him wants to help them by hitting the ground running straightaway in January and scoring the goals which will ensure they stay in the Premier League.” 

The source also said Brentford are under no pressure to sell their ace striker. 

They added: “They don’t need the money. Toney is their player and they will only consider selling him if the offer is right for the club.

“As far as the manager is concerned he is planning for his return in January. Ivan will come back in and be a key member of the team.

“Thomas Frank realises nothing lasts forever and that his star man will probably move on one day. 

“But he hopes to have Ivan until the end of the season at least – then they will reassess.”

GettyToney’s eight-month ban ends in January[/caption]