Ivan Toney ‘really excited’ about Arsenal transfer interest as they battle Chelsea for £100m England striker

IVAN TONEY is said to be "really excited" about the prospect of joining Arsenal, reports suggest.

The Brentford star has been sidelined since May after being hit with a betting ban.

However, that has not stopped the rampant speculation on his future.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been the clubs most heavily linked with a move for the England forward, with some reports suggesting he could cost as much as £100million.

And now with the January transfer window fast approaching, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Toney's preference for a transfer.

Speaking on his Kick channel, via , Romano said: "From what I’m hearing, this is one more detail on Ivan Toney.

"This is a rumour I’m hearing that his preference in terms of a top club move in January or the summer would be to go to Arsenal.

"From what I’m hearing Ivan Toney could be really excited by the possibility of joining Arsenal."

However, SunSport reported in November that Toney was torn over the idea of a transfer in January, with a source saying that he feels he has a debt to pay to Brentford for sticking by him.

Toney, 27, scored 20 Premier League goals for the Bees last season before his ban.

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His record marked him out as one of the most prolific forwards in the division under Thomas Frank.

Brentford have managed in his absence and find themselves firmly in midtable.

However, the Bees have just lost fellow star man - and this season's top scorer - Bryan Mbuemo to injury.

Despite that, Brentford may still choose to cash in on Toney with his ban set to expire.

Toney cannot return to competitive action until January 17 at the earliest.

He has already appeared in a couple of behind-closed-doors friendlies, scoring on his return game in October before netting again in a match against Watford last month.