Declan Rice could be able to assist Arsenal in acquiring a Premier League attacker this summer.

Brentford allegedly wants to cut their asking price, meaning Arsenal might buy Ivan Toney for a lot less than first believed. Toney is expected to leave the Bees this summer, and other teams, including Arsenal, are rumored to be interested in signing him.

Toney has not hidden his wish to join a larger team if the chance arises soon, and he now plays for Brentford. The Bees are under pressure to sell as he won’t be joining them on a free transfer in 2025 and his contract is only set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

According to The Sun, Brentford opted to reduce their asking price in an effort to expedite a deal, having previously valued Toney at over £80 million. Reportedly, bids close to £50 million will now be taken into consideration, as Brentford is’surprised’ by the lack of interest thus far.

This implies that Arsenal will be able to sign Toney for less money than they did for Gabriel Jesus the previous year and Kai Havertz the summer before. The article also states that Mikel Arteta is eager to advance in other areas, therefore Arsenal is not giving the acquisition of a new striker top priority.

Declan Rice may be asked to persuade Toney to choose the Gunners over teams like Tottenham and Chelsea if the team decides to rekindle their interest in the player. The two players became friends during their time representing England at the Euros, and earlier this week, they were spotted having fun in Ibiza.

Before England lost to Spain in the final, Rice talked candidly about his bond with Toney, saying: “I think we just clicked with Ivan.” We instantly clicked once he joined the squad. We used to talk all the time after games and whatnot, I believe even during his time at Brentford.