“I honestly don’t to want him to join Arsenal because he going to smash so many records, a player of his qualities does not deserve a club like Arsenal”- Man United Rio Ferdinand confesses he doesn’t want ‘brilliant’ player to join Arsenal this summer as he envies the player’s immense talent and potential

Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand has expressed his desire for Ivan Toney, a talented player from Brentford, to stay with the club rather than joining Arsenal or Chelsea during the current January transfer window. Ferdinand, on his podcast, emphasized the excellence of Toney’s skills and the positive impact he could have on Brentford’s performance. Despite rumors linking Toney to Arsenal, Ferdinand believes a move is unlikely at this point in the season.

The speculation surrounding Toney’s potential transfer to Arsenal intensified after reports on December 30 indicated the Gunners’ interest in signing the 27-year-old striker. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen on Toney, with Stuart Pearce considering him a perfect fit for the team. However, Ferdinand remains skeptical about the likelihood of this transfer, expressing his hope that Brentford retains the striker for the rest of the season.

Toney, known for scoring 32 goals and providing nine assists in 68 Premier League appearances, is also attracting interest from Chelsea, according to reports from The Athletic. Despite the allure of top clubs, Ferdinand advocates for Toney’s continued presence at Brentford, praising the team’s style of play and the threat posed by Toney, along with teammates Wissa and Mbeumo.

Highlighting the significance of Brentford’s role in Toney’s career, Ferdinand envisions a strong finish to the season for the club if they can retain the talented striker. Acknowledging the potential interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, Ferdinand expresses his delight at Toney’s return and hopes he remains with Brentford.

From my perspective, the likelihood of Toney leaving Brentford for Arsenal or Chelsea in the current transfer window seems slim. Toney is set to return for Brentford after serving a ban, having not played throughout the season. The prospect of a mid-season move for Toney appears improbable, considering the Bees’ reluctance to part ways with him.

Moreover, Toney himself has conveyed his commitment to Brentford, expressing a desire to repay the club’s loyalty. Given the team’s reliance on him to avoid relegation to the Championship, it is plausible that Toney will stay with Brentford at least until the summer of 2024. The striker’s dedication to the club and the crucial role he plays in their aspirations for the season make a January departure unlikely.