Former Newcastle United and Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has predicted Brentford striker Ivan Toney to sign for Arsenal in the January transfer window. The north Londoners have a wealth of options at centre-forward, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz all capable of playing up top to a high standard.

But that hasn't stopped speculation regarding a new frontman being signed in the winter window, with Bees star Toney constantly linked. Now, Pardew has admitted that he could see the England international plying his trade under Mikel Arteta's tutelage very soon.

“Toney is for me the signing (the big clubs should try to make) in January. He is the one," Pardew told talkSPORT.

"Whoever gets him, I think, will be really fortunate. I think he will end up at Arsenal, actually.”

The Gunners' first-choice striker Gabriel Jesus has been plagued with injuries this season, starting just four of their 12 Premier League fixtures this term. But the aforementioned Nketiah and Trossard have stepped up when called upon, netting five goals each across all competitions.

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In Arsenal's most recent outing, a league clash against Burnley on Saturday, Trossard broke the deadlock on the brink of half-time to help his side secure a 3-1 victory over the Clarets. That result leaves Arteta and Co sitting third in the current standings, one point behind Manchester City in first and behind second-placed Liverpool only on goal difference.