Arsenal fans hoping to see their forward line strengthened received a tantalising hint this week, with Brentford manager Thomas Frank suggesting star striker Ivan Toney is likely to be sold this summer.

Ivan Toney, fresh off an eight-month suspension, has already hit the ground running with two goals in three games. While no firm offers materialised in January, despite Arsenal being heavily linked, Thomas Frank admitted, “This winter we actually had no bid for him, but it will surprise me if there are not a lot of clubs that will be interested in him.”

The 27-year-old’s impressive 20-goal haul last season solidified his reputation as a Premier League force. With just 18 months remaining on his contract, Toney’s future seems increasingly uncertain.

The Brentford boss acknowledged the inevitable, stating, “It’s relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer. It can be expensive to sell your best player, but conversely, I also know that this summer he only has one year left on his contract with us.”

Though Frank personally hopes to retain Toney, he acknowledges the striker’s ambitions, saying, “We also know what he’s worth. I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now.”

Reports linking Toney to Arsenal were consistent throughout the January window, and with summer budgets typically larger, the Gunners could reignite their pursuit.

The striker himself fuelled speculation with recent comments, saying, “Playing for a top club fighting for titles is my goal. January might be too soon, but who knows?”

While time will tell where Toney lands, Arsenal fans undoubtedly have their eyes peeled, hoping his Brentford exit paves the way for an Emirates arrival.