Arsenal 'investigating' move for £80m forward, their 'preference' is a January transfer

Arsenal continue to scour the market for an exciting new striker as the January transfer window fast approaches. The Gunners are once again challenging for the Premier League title, only this season there are more teams to fight off.

In order to avoid a repeat of last season's disappointment, Mikel Arteta is considering some potential new recruits next month. A new talisman in front of goal has been a key target for a while now, and a few high profile names have been linked to an Emirates switch.

One of those names is Ivan Toney, who is attracting a lot of attention as he prepares to return to top flight football in January. A number of reports in recent months have connected Arsenal to the 27-year-old but then others have debunked the link. However, a new update has emerged as the countdown to the winter window approaches the final hours.

According to The Independent, Arsenal are 'investigating' whether a new year move for Toney would be possible as their 'preference is to do the deal this January'. A figure of £80 million has been mentioned as the amount of cash needed to facilitate the transfer and, of course, clubs must be aware of Financial Fair Play regulations.

Arsenal have also been linked with Victor Osimhen but Napoli's reported asking price of £150 million is too far out of their price range. Although, the Gunners have been looking to move some players on in the new year in order to raise extra funds for their own new signings.

The report claims that Eddie Nketiah could be one of the dispensable senior players who would bring in a decent amount of money through a sale. Arteta does still value the 24-year-old in his ranks though, so it could be an interesting arc to follow once the window opens.