I was really surprised by Arsenal transfer decision after talk with £40m striker's agent

Arsenal are set to welcome Brentford to the for a clash on Saturday evening, but there's an alternate reality where could have been spearheading attack against his former club, after they nearly secured his signature last summer.

Despite strong links with , the striker made a £40million switch to Saudi Pro League club 2024. Ex-Newcastle boss has since revealed his astonishment at the failed transfer, having been privy to discussions between Toney's representatives and Arsenal.

Speaking to a talkSPORT caller earlier in January, Pardew said: "You've been linked with Jonathan David, the Lille striker, I mean you know, I'm not sure whether that's the right one for you. For me, it needs to be a nailed on 100% top, top striker. That's where need to go and I think Toney would have fitted the bill, I really do.

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"I was really surprised that he didn't end up at Arsenal because I think he was linked. I remember speaking to his agent and there was definitely dialogue, definitely."

The search for a prolific goalscorer has been a recurring theme for Arsenal this season. With injuries plaguing key players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, Arteta has had to improvise by pushing midfielder Mikel Merino into a forward role, as Arsenal found themselves trailing Liverpool by 11 points at the top of the table.

Speculation was rife in January about potential moves for Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle's Alexander Isak, but no deals came to fruition.

However, it appears that Arsenal themselves decided against pursuing Toney during pre-season. The decision wasn't due to any doubts about the England striker's talent, but rather concerns over his personality potentially disrupting the harmony of Arteta's carefully assembled squad.

In an attempt to secure a move to a top-flight club, with Arsenal being his preferred choice, Toney even changed agencies ahead of negotiations. However, during these talks, the Gunners' top brass were said to have found Toney's character not quite fitting with the ethos at the Emirates, reports .

Toney scored 72 goals in 141 outings for Brentford, including a stunning 33-goal haul in his debut season that helped propel the Bees to the Premier League.

Now earning a reported £403,000 per week, plus bonuses, in Saudi Arabia, Toney continues to find the back of the net regularly, with 22 strikes in 33 games. Despite his departure from Brentford last summer, the 29-year-old took the time to write a heartfelt farewell letter.

He also intriguingly suggested that a return to the Premier League might be on the cards in the future, leaving the door open for a possible move to north London if Arteta decides to revisit his interest.

"As I prepare to begin this new journey, I want to thank each and every one of you for your unconditional support," Toney said.

"To my team-mates, the manager, the backroom staff, the owners, and again, a special mention to The Bees – thank you. There's no need for onion chopping, because as I always say – see you soon, it's never a goodbye. Ivan."

It's unlikely the Gunners will attempt to swoop for the forward again come the summer, with other targets set to be prioritised.