Mikel Arteta will have learnt a number of things from Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Mikel Arteta’s side had been showing strong interest in the England international ahead of the winter transfer window but the Gunners were later hamstrung by financial restrictions due to Premier League PSR rules.

Since then, Toney has returned to action with the Bees following his eight-month betting ban but the landscape has drastically changed as potential alternative striker targets such as Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have impressed club scouts.

According to @Teamnewsandtix after the match: “Arsenal will NOT pursue a move for Ivan Toney as they ‘really, really dislike him as a person”

The reason Arsenal abandoned the Ivan Toney deal was because they really didn’t like the player.

Arsenal insiders describe Ivan Toney in terms even harsher than dislike.

Ivan Toney and Gabriel clashed in the final minutes

It can be seen that the Gunners currently prioritize deals that not only look at expertise but also look at the human side, with ethical aspects.

Thomas Frank, who recently conceded that Toney is poised to leave the club this summer, previously claimed Brentford valued their talisman at £100million, however, he is due to enter the final 12 months of his current deal in west London this July.

Following on from his goal at Emirates Stadium last season, Toney had another opportunity to prove he is the striker Arsenal should sign. Victor Osimhen of Napoli is another option for Arteta and Edu with it expected that both strikers will be on the move in the summer.

Despite Gabriel Magalhaes being on a yellow card from early in the game, the Brazil international dominated the physical battle against Toney. William Saliba also left Toney on the deck with a firm shoulder barge which drew huge cheers from the home fans.