Ivan Toney finally speaks on Brentford future and Arsenal link

Ivan Toney, gearing up for his return to competitive football after an eight-month ban, pledges his dedication to steering Brentford clear of the relegation table.

Since his ban in May 2023, the striker has been the subject of transfer discussions, notably with London giants Arsenal and Chelsea. However, Brentford remains resolute about keeping Toney, citing a substantial price tag for any potential sale.

Toney’s anticipated return on January 17 coincides with Brentford’s upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest at the Gtech Community Stadium, marking his availability for selection. His last goal, notably against the same opponent, capped off the 2022/23 season.

Brentford’s recent struggles, enduring a string of defeats, has dragged them into a relegation battle. Absences due to long-term injuries of Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade, coupled with Yoane Wissa’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations, have compounded the team’s woes.

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In an interview with Sky Sports, Toney spoke of his appreciation for Brentford and said he was relishing the opportunity to help them beat the drop, suggesting he will be staying at the club for the rest of the season.

“The club was right behind me from the first bit. The fans were behind me, which was a massive part,” Toney said.

“Even when I wasn’t at their games, they were singing my name. And I got loads of messages on social media. 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.

“Everyone knows Brentford is a family club, they have been nothing but amazing for me. I can’t thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So it’s kind of like I have a lot to repay.

“With Brentford, they’re struggling at the moment but I’m sure when I’m back I will play a big part to get them out of the losing form they’ve been in. I can’t wait to get back and be helping my teammates.”

When asked if he felt the pressure of trying to help Brentford stave off relegation, Toney replied: “Not really no. It’s not pressure, it’s just excitement to get back on the pitch.

“Everybody at Brentford knows I will do my best to try and get the club out of the sticky patch we’re in. But there’s no pressure and even if there was, I wouldn’t feel it and that’s what drives me forward.

“Brentford, we’ve been here before and we know how to get out of it.”

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Ivan Toney on the Support from Thomas Frank, captain Christian Norgaard

Toney also revealed how head coach Thomas Frank, captain Christian Norgaard and previous skipper Pontus Jansson have helped him during his time away from the game.

“Thomas Frank has been nothing but the biggest help I could have asked for – the whole club has,” Toney 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. These kind of things, I have a lot to repay them and I can’t wait to try and do that.

“I can go through the whole team who sent me messages. Especially the captain who was there before, Pontus, talking to me about the whole situation.

“Christian Norgaard too. He sat me down and said: ‘How are you? How are you in yourself? Is everything OK?’ And that meant a lot, for someone to actually sit me down and ask me that question.

“My personality is a strong personality and I always am this bubbly person. But for someone to actually sit you down and ask you, even though I’m always good – and even when I’m not good, I will be good – it meant a lot because it showed he actually cared.

“All the other teammates have been messaging me so for him to come up to me, being a big personality, meant a lot.”