FINALISED: Brentford won’t accept discounted Ivan Toney bid

Arsenal are in a strong position at the turn of the year but a smart bit of business could push them onto even greater heights.

Arsenal may have a secret weapon to persuade Brentford to accept a reduced fee. Arsenal are in a terrific position at the start of the year, but a shrewd piece of business may propel them to even higher heights.

‘Attack on referee was barbaric,’ says Turkish Football Federation head Mikel Arteta. His Arsenal team is flying high at the top of the Premier League, and after coming so close to completing the Gunners’ lengthy wait for a league title last season, an immediate return to the competitive pack indicates that the Spaniard’s group is the genuine deal.

The positive atmosphere in North London has been boosted even more by a favorable draw in the Champions League Round of 16 against FC Porto. The 2004 European champions may have had their time in the competition, but few expect them to advance past Arsenal to the quarter-finals.

Arteta blamed his team’s failure to retain top rank in the Premier League last season to a lack of muscle in his squad, but that has since been remedied by the signings of England midfielder Declan Rice and former Chelsea star Kai Havertz.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is nearing the conclusion of an eight-month sentence for violating the FA’s betting laws, is said to be a top target for a January transfer.

The England international has excelled for the Bees, scoring 20 Premier League goals last season, and would command a fee of roughly £80 million if he were to leave West London. However, after spending £200 million on Rice, Havertz, and Jurrien Timber in the summer, that could be regarded too much for the Gunners to consider.