Exclusive: £40m striker met Edu before the transfer window but Arsenal decided not to sign him
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Arsenal didn't sign a new striker this summer despite numerous links with a new number nine.
The Gunners did scour the market for a new centre-forward as they looked at the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen.
However, for one reason or another, Arsenal didn't go for a new striker.
Ivan Toney was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, and it's TBR Football's understanding, that a meeting did indeed take place between Toney and the Gunners back in the Spring.
Ivan Toney met with Arsenal
TBR Football can reveal that Ivan Toney saw a dream move to Arsenal fail to materialise, after he spoke with the North London club.
Sources have confirmed to TBR that Toney met with Arsenal, and their sporting director Edu, around Easter this year as the north London side assessed whether to pursue a deal.
However, following those talks Arsenal decided not to push ahead with a deal.
Thereafter, interest from other Premier League clubs failed to firm up – again despite talks.
We also understand that Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United all showed an interest but like with Arsenal opted against a move.
However, TBR is told that Brentford's then asking price of £60m was the main obstacle to deals with Chelsea and Tottenham specifically.
In the end Toney moved to Saudi Arabia on deadline day signing a deal with Al-Ahli as they paid Brentford just over £40m.
Ivan Toney deserved a better move
Toney was courted by numerous top Premier League clubs this summer, but, ultimately, he ended up in Saudi Arabia.
It's a real shame that a player of this quality has, once again, ended up in the middle east.
Of course, there's a lot of money to be made in Saudi Arabia, but Toney has spoken a lot about wanting to play at the highest level, and now, he's playing in a league that, with all due respect, doesn't carry much prestige.
It's a shame that Toney couldn't get a better move, because he's certainly worthy of playing at the highest level in the Premier League.
