Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has responded to suggestions that it could take £100m to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford.
The Gunners retain an interest in the England striker and 90min understands they have held talks with his representatives over a potential move.
Sources have told 90min that Toney has communicated to Brentford his desire to leave in January when the transfer window opens and he is able to return from his eight-month betting ban.
Reports claim that Brentford could demand a nine-figure sum for Toney, though 90min understands they will entertain offers of around £80m.
At a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle United on Saturday, Arteta was asked for his thoughts on Toney possibly being valued at £100m.
“There has been an evolution. We have gone from 10s to 20s to 80s to 100s and there are players who have cost £200m. It’s not that we are getting used to it but it is something that is happening more and more often. On other players, other clubs, no comment on that,” he said.
When asked whether a manager thinks about the price tag when it comes to signing a player, Arteta replied: “The first thing is what can we do to improve our team and can we afford it? Does it make sense in our project to spend certain money on certain players? There is a lot of work to be done there.”
Speaking at his own press conference on Friday prior to this weekend’s meeting with West Ham United, Brentford head coach Thomas Frank – who has previously insisted the club would be open to selling Toney – claimed the striker is happy to stay put at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“I hope not, I want him to stay,” Frank replied when asked if Toney wants to leave. “Ivan is happy to stay. He is happy at the club. What happens in the future is impossible to guess about.
“Ivan’s skillset in terms of finishing abilities with left, right, header and his composure in those moments and his link-up play and his presence, character – it’s a very good package.
“It’s not me to put a price tag on him, it’s down to the club. I’m happy with him, I hope he plays here forever and I’m the coach.”