Arsenal could use three players in swap deal transfer to beat Chelsea to Ivan Toney | Football | Sport

Arsenal are understood to be keen on acquiring the services of Ivan Toney during the January transfer window. Brentford have reportedly indicated that they are willing to sell their star striker in the new year for a fee of around £80million.

The Gunners are in need of an out-and-out goal scorer. Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus were unable to crack the all-important 20-goal tally in the Premier League last season while Toney found the back of the net 20 times in 33 top-flight appearances for the Bees.

Arsenal will have to fight off stiff competition from Chelsea for Toney’s signature, who are also said to be very interested in snapping him up. Toney’s asking price could prove to be a stumbling block for the north Londoners after spending heavily in the summer but a swap deal plus cash may help sweeten the deal for all parties involved. 

Here, Express Sport takes a look at three players the Gunners could let go the other way in order to bring Toney to the Emirates Stadium. 

Eddie Nketiah

A swap deal plus cash for Nketiah makes the most sense. Brentford will need a player to fill the void left by Toney while it is unlikely there will be a place in Arteta’s side for Nketiah should he make the move the former Northampton Town star. 

Nkeitah is three years younger than Toney and carries bags of potential but doesn’t look like the player Arsenal need right now to take them to that next level. If Nketiah was to move to Brentford then he would get more regular football and wouldn’t have to relocate out of London.

Emile Smith-Rowe

Emile Smith-Rowe’s time at Arsenal looks to be running out. The Englishman has struggled to replicate his sensational form during the 2021/2022 campaign and appears to have fallen out of favour with Arteta. 

ESR would be considered a risky move for Brentford due to his injury problems but is undoubtedly an exceptional talent, who if nurtured correctly could become the Bees’ most important player.  

Reiss Nelson

There are multiple reports linking Arsenal to right-wingers in January which looks to be bad news for Reiss Nelson. Although the 23-year-old has been impressive when called upon, he has been used sparingly by Arteta. Brentford have a lack of quality wingers at the club right now and would surely benefit from Nelson’s presence among their ranks.