'End interest' - Tottenham lead race for £100m ex-Arsenal transfer target

Ivan Toney - the name all journalists have been focused on since his return from an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules. Where will he end up for the 2024/25 season?

Arsenal had initially been leading the way to secure the Brentford and England international's signature but it would now appear that the Gunners interest him has ended with their attentions turning towards Swedish stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

French journalist Sebastien Vidal has taken to his Twitter account to post that: "Arsenal have ended their interest in Ivan Toney but Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham are leading the way. Brentford's striker has attracted interest from London clubs ahead of the summer transfer window."

This news comes after speculation that Mikel Arteta and his side had 'cooled their interests' in the star and it now appears as if North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are set to take over as the race leaders for the 28-year-old. Spurs, along with Chelsea and West Ham, are said to be the primary clubs looking into the striker but with the Blues facing imminent financial trouble, Ange Postecoglou's side currently appear to be in front.

It's no surprise that the Lilywhites are seeking an out-and-out striker. The side currently sit fifth in the Premier League and have accomplished 16 wins in the league without a recognised forward. Son Heung-Min has filled the void many an occasion and Brazil's Richarlison has scored ten goals in 23 appearances.

While this is a significant improvement from the 26-year-old's 2022/23 record, it does not quite match-up to the goal-scoring abilities of Spurs's rivals with the likes of Mo Salah registering 15, Manchester City's Erling Haaland picking up 18 and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins netting 16 already.

Despite his eight-month absence, Toney has raced back to form, scoring four goals in his ten Premier League appearances, earning himself an immediate recall to Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of international friendly fixtures against Brazil and Belgium this weekend.