Football transfer rumours: If not Ivan Toney then which striker for Arsenal?

As the football world shifts its focus to the January 2024 transfer window, expectations of a slow market prevail due to the constraints of financial fair play. Despite this, rumors are swirling, and one of the prominent names in the mix is Ivan Toney, with Arsenal reportedly eyeing a move that could potentially cost £100m, especially given Brentford’s recent five-match losing streak.

The alternatives to Toney don’t come cheap, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, and Internazionale’s Lautaro Martínez all commanding hefty fees and representing clubs less inclined to sell. Osimhen’s release clause has risen to €130m. Kylian Mbappé, nearing the end of his PSG contract, is another high-profile target, with Real Madrid’s strong interest complicating matters for Arsenal and Liverpool.

In terms of outgoings, Crystal Palace is reportedly interested in bringing Eddie Nketiah back to south London, while Mohamed Elneny is attracting attention from Trabzonspor, with Besiktas, Galatasaray, and Saudi clubs also exploring potential moves. Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale are available for sale but only at premium prices.

Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, currently on loan at Getafe, is linked with transfers to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for a fee around £40m. Donny van de Beek is set for a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt, with speculation surrounding Raphaël Varane’s departure from Manchester United.

In response to injury challenges, Tottenham is considering defensive cover, with Genoa’s Romania defender Radu Dragusin linked. A move for Lyon’s Jean-Clair Todibo appears less likely in January, potentially deferring to the summer. Lyon is reportedly interested in acquiring Saïd Benrahma from West Ham.

Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips’s time at Manchester City hasn’t gone as planned, and his anticipated move to Juventus might be in doubt as Max Allegri, the Juve coach, is reportedly reconsidering the deal.