'World-class' striker reportedly wanted by Arsenal now tipped to move for just £40m this summer

Arsenal have been fairly quiet in the transfer market so far, though there appears to be some movement on the Riccardo Calafiori front.

According to recent reports, an agreement appears to now be in place for a €50million (£42million) transfer.

Should Arsenal get a deal for Calafiori over the line, he would be their signing of the summer, and hopefully it would pave the way for many more.

The Gunners are said to be looking at reinforcements in midfield and attack too, and there’s certainly scope to strengthen in those areas.

With Albert Sambi Lokonga having joined Sevilla and Emile Smith Rowe being linked with a move away, Mikel Arteta will not want to be short in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, Arsenal lacked an out-and-out No. 9 last season, and it can be argued that the Gunners lost crucial points in Premier League games because of this.

Now, a “world-class” striker who has reportedly been on the Gunners’ radar long-term could potentially be available for even cheaper than previously thought.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Tottenham plot swoop for ‘extraordinary’ free agent

Arsenal-linked Ivan Toney backed to leave for just £40million

The player in question is Brentford’s Ivan Toney and, according to talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino, he could be available for as little as £40million plus add-ons.

The Sun recently reported that the Bees may look to slash their asking price to less than £50million due to a lack of interest in Toney, down from £80million-plus.

Now, Cascarino has told talkSPORT (20/7/24, 8:56am) that he can only see £50million as a figure reached after add-ons at best for the “world-class” ace.

“I don’t think he will go for £50million,” he said. “I would go down more likely £40million. It might be add-ons to get to £50million.

“What’s Ivan now? 28? 28 years old. He had really last year off, but there’s a player there that you can utilise and get a lot from and a team can benefit from.

“I just don’t think it will get to £50million. When I heard £70million last year, it was no way anyone was going to pay £70million.”

Toney a top talent

Toney has proven himself in the Premier League and also did well at Euro 2024 for England in the limited game time he received under former boss Gareth Southgate.

Last year, Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that Toney is “one of the best attacking players in the league”, while Thomas Frank deemed him “the best penalty taker in the world”.

With that in mind, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal decide to intensify their interest in Toney and bring in a much-needed focal point in attack to convert chances.

With Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham also said to be interested in the England man, he certainly has some big options this summer.