Edu and Mikel Arteta ‘discussing’ summer move for player who ‘likes watching’ Arsenal

Arsenal are already reportedly making plans for next summer with the summer transfer window all wrapped up. The Gunners enjoyed a strong summer window, making a number of big-money additions, including Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, David Raya and Kai Havertz.

Edu and Mikel Arteta also managed to trim the squad on deadline day, with fringe stars such as Rob Holding, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares all moving on. Full attention will now be placed upon mounting a Premier League title challenge, but Edu will also have half an eye on the club’s long-term recruitment.

Clubs plan well in advance for transfers, and it seems the Gunners may already be discussing possible striker signings, despite spending £50million on Gabriel Jesus last summer. Eddie Nketiah is Jesus’ back-up for this season, while Havertz can also play the role.

But according to the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are already discussing a new striker signing for next summer, and Brentford star Ivan Toney could be an option.

Mokbel said on The Mail’s Transfer Deadline Livestream: “I totally agree with what you are saying there. I think Gabriel Jesus is a fantastic player, but I truly believe that if Ivan Toney was at Arsenal today they would probably win the Premier League this season. I think he’s that good. I also understand those overtures over a possible deal next summer have already taken place and Ivan Toney is certainly on Arsenal’s radar.”

Toney is currently suspended until mid-January due to gambling breaches, but he has already established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous frontmen.

Toney recently said of Arsenal: “I’ve been a Liverpool fan my whole life, but from young I’ve liked Arsenal. I’ve liked watching Arsenal. How passionate the fans are.”