In the whirlwind of transfer speculations surrounding Ivan Toney, Brentford’s prolific striker, Thomas Frank has issued a resolute warning to potential suitors, particularly Arsenal and Chelsea. While Toney has become the subject of considerable attention from top-flight clubs, Frank is adamant that the talismanic forward will remain a Brentford player beyond the January transfer window.

Toney is currently serving an eight-month ban for violating the Football Association’s betting rules, a period that extends into January. Despite the ban, Premier League heavyweights like Chelsea and long-time admirers Arsenal have expressed interest in acquiring the 27-year-old’s services. However, Frank, the Brentford manager, exudes confidence that Toney will be back in action for the Bees and won’t be making a mid-season move.

In a recent interview with the Evening Standard, Frank underscored his belief in Toney’s commitment to Brentford, emphasizing the striker’s fitness and ambition to contribute to the team’s success. Frank stated, “Everyone saw what he did last year. It’s not like he broke a leg or did his ACL, so he’s fit and probably even more ambitious to get success. I’m convinced he will be absolutely on it. I don’t want to lose him. I hope, and think, he’ll be a Brentford player on February 1.”

This isn’t Frank’s first time taking a firm stance on Toney’s future. Last month, he reiterated that Toney is content at Brentford, emphasizing the player’s happiness at the club. Frank spoke about Toney’s exceptional skillset, highlighting his finishing ability, composure, link-up play, and overall presence on the field. The Brentford manager expressed his satisfaction with Toney and his desire for the striker to stay with the club for the long term.

Since joining Brentford ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, Toney has been nothing short of sensational, scoring an impressive 68 goals for the club. His pivotal role in securing Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League was followed by two prolific seasons in the top flight, where he netted 32 goals. With 18 months remaining on his contract, Toney’s future has become a hot topic in the transfer market.

Brentford, anticipating Toney’s absence due to the ban, re-signed Neal Maupay in the summer, but the striker has struggled to replicate Toney’s goal-scoring prowess. Currently, Bryan Mbeumo leads Brentford’s goal-scoring charts with six goals this season.

As the January transfer window approaches, the football world watches with bated breath to see if Thomas Frank’s confidence in retaining Ivan Toney proves accurate or if the allure of top Premier League clubs will alter the course of the striker’s journey.