Crystal Palace and Arsenal rated as most likely transfer destinations for new Premier League star

Arsenal and Crystal Palace have been tipped to compete to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer.

The former Newcastle United striker was integral in the Bees historic promotion into the Premier League as he netted 31 goals to help his side to a Championship play-off final win against Swansea City.

Toney scored his first ever Premier League goal in a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa in August and racked up another first last month with a hat-trick in the Bees 3-1 win at Norwich City.

In total, the 26-year-old frontman has 13 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions this season and there has been speculation he could follow former Bees striker Ollie Watkins into the England squad.

Speaking of his star striker last year, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: “He's done well. I like that players need to prove themselves first, but I'm 100 percent sure he will.

“If he continues to improve and do well then I'm convinced Gareth will look at him when the time is right and I think he will get his chance.

“Ivan's mentality is amazing because he believes in himself. He's in the shape of his life.”

Toney’s form since making the jump into the Premier League has captured the attention of several clubs with former club Newcastle and Everton said to be interested in securing his signature this summer.

But it is London rivals Arsenal and Crystal Palace that are leading the market as his most likely destination this summer.

The Gunners look likely to lose strikers Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette at the end of the campaign and they are rated as 6/1 favourites with SkyBet to add Toney to their squad.

Palace are second favourites at 9/1 as Patrick Vieira looks to win the race for Toney’s signature as he bids to build on an impressive first season in charge at Selhurst Park.