Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano clarifies claims of Arsenal transfer target being available for bargain £30-40m

Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided his latest information on the future of Brentford striker Ivan Toney amid fresh links with Arsenal and talk of his asking price being as low as £30-40million.

The Gunners could surely do with strengthening their attack this summer after a relative lack of impact from the injury-prone Gabriel Jesus this season, and Toney seems ideal after his fine form during his time in the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano suggested that Toney’s price was yet to be determined, and could hinge on how much interest there is in the England international this summer.

Toney transfer: Romano’s update on Arsenal target

While Romano didn’t wish to talk down what other journalists are saying, he simply made it clear that some of the other reports doing the rounds do not tally with the information he’s been hearing.

“Another striker we know has been on Arsenal’s radar is Ivan Toney, and there’s been fresh speculation again about the Brentford star, who could be one to watch this summer as he approaches the final year of his contract,” Romano said.

“There was interest in Toney in January but at that time Brentford were insisting only on crazy proposals to let him go, and so a deal didn’t materialise. For the summer it could be different, and his price tag could be lower, but my understanding is it would not be quite as low as the £30-40m some reports have stated.

“I don’t like to deny what my other colleagues are claiming as anyone has their sources and information. Still, my information is not the same, in this moment I’m told Brentford want more than this reported fee. My understanding is also that there are still no talks taking place with any club, so for sure the number of clubs involved in the race will be key to understand the final price.”