Arsenal ‘could MISS OUT on signing Ivan Toney in January because of Brentford’s dismal form’ – with Thomas Frank ‘desperate to keep his star striker in bid to beat the drop’

Arsenal are reportedly in pursuit of Ivan Toney with Brentford boss Thomas Frank 'desperate' to keep his star man until the end of the season.

The future of the £100m-rated England forward has been the subject of intense speculation since the summer transfer window, despite his eight-month ban from football for breaching FA betting rules.

That ban comes to an end next month and the Gunners have been heavily linked with a move by Toney to aid their bid to win the Premier League.

But while Arsenal are looking up, Brentford are looking down and their recent form suggests they are in for a battle to stay in the English top flight.

The Bees were beaten 4-1 by Wolves on Wednesday – their sixth Premier League defeat in seven games – and with survival on the line, Frank wants Toney to lead the way in their bid to beat the drop once he returns from his suspension, according to a report from The sun.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made Toney his top target but will have to spend money to sign him

The report states that Frank does not want Toney to leave, especially as they find themselves further and further into a relegation battle.

While there are hopes the England striker will remain in west London, Brentford sporting director Lee Dykes admitted earlier this month that he expects 'a lot of interest' in the 27-year-old.

Speaking to the club's media team, Dykes highlighted the return of Toney, who he calls 'one of the five best strikers in the world', and warned interested clubs that they will 'have to pay a significant transfer fee'.

He said: 'I'm so excited for Ivan to come back because I see him there in training and he's a player; it seems like he never left.

'He has a real ambition and I can see in his eyes that he will be better than ever before; I truly believe that will be the case.

'Yes, there will be a lot of interest in Ivan in January. Of course it should be.

'He was the third highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season, one of them [Harry Kane] has now moved to Germany, so he's up there as one of the best strikers in the division. I think he's in the top five in the world.

'So there should be interest, and perhaps the moment will come very soon when Ivan moves to another club.

The future of the £100m estimated England forward has been the subject of intense speculation

“But they will have to pay a significant transfer fee to acquire his services, because he is a talent.”

Toney's prolific form last season has also attracted the attention of other suitors, including Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are in dire need of attacking strength and are believed to be prioritizing recruitments in forward positions when they enter the market.

Tottenham could also be interested in the player, with former Spurs legend Teddy Sheringham urging Ange Postecoglou to consider beating their north London rivals in the transfer.

Toney previously appeared to hint at an Arsenal connection when he shared an Instagram post celebrating Declan Rice's late winner against Luton, before deleting it amid a flurry of speculation.

Brentford chief Lee Dykes recently admitted he could leave the club 'very soon'

Toney can return to the league on January 17 but has already featured in a number of friendlies and scored twice behind closed doors.

The Bees will be particularly keen to hold on to their star striker after losing one of their key players to injury.

Bryan Mbeumo will be sidelined for at least 12 weeks after suffering an ankle injury in a Premier League match against Brighton earlier this month, dealing a serious blow to Thomas Frank's plans for the second half of the season.