11 months ago
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Ivan Toney appears to have put the incessant rumours over his future to bed after he confirmed his plans to stay at Brentford in a video on the club’s official YouTube channel.
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The 27-year-old England international established himself as one of the most sought after strikers in the Premier League with 20 goals in 33 appearances last season, but is currently serving an eight-month ban due to gambling offences.
However, Toney gave a timely reminder of his undoubted quality in front of goal as he closes in on his return to first-team action earlier this month, firing in a hat-trick for Brentford’s B side during a behind-closed-doors match with Southampton’s Under-23s.
According to recent reports, Arsenal had identified Toney as their primary target for the January transfer window as they look to bring in support for Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
Chelsea are also understood to be among Toney’s admirers but it appears Brentford’s London rivals will have to look elsewhere if they are to strengthen before the transfer deadline.
In a filmed FaceTime conversation with Pontus Jansson for Brentford’s in-house YouTube channel, Toney reassured his former captain that he had no intention of forcing a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium this winter.
‘I saw that Thomas [Frank] put out also, “Ivan is staying”, I love it,’ Jansson who left Brentford to join Malmo last summer, told Toney.
‘With a grin on his face, Toney replied: ‘Yeah, I’m staying, I’m staying.’
On his impending return, the forward added: ‘It will be good.
‘I can’t wait to get back, man.’
During an interview Sky Sports last week, Toney thanked Brentford for the support they had shown during on the sidelines and insisted he remained fully focused on repaying the club’s faith.
‘Thomas Frank has been nothing but the biggest help I could have asked for – the whole club has,’ the ex-Peterborough United attacker said.
‘From putting on extra sessions for me, from taking their time out to put a session on and go outside when it’s raining when they’re not supposed to be in.
‘I have a lot to repay them and I can’t wait to try and do that.’
Toney added: ‘The fans were also behind me. Even when I wasn’t at their games, they were singing my name.
‘A friend of mine sent me a video of the fans singing my name, I got goosebumps to know that they’re still behind me, even though I’m not there.’
It’s understood Brentford will demand in excess of £100million from potential suitors for Toney, with their star forward tied into a contact at the club until June 2025.
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