Thomas Frank insists Ivan Toney won’t be using tomorrow clash against Arsenal as an audition ahead of a potential summer transfer.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the England international who recently returned from an eight month ban for gambling offences.
While Brentford’s form remain patchy, Toney hit the ground running following his comeback, scoring four goals in five appearances.
Prior to their recent purple patch, it appeared as though Mikel Arteta’s men would rue turning down the opportunity to make a bid for Toney in January.
Despite an astonishing goal glut, Arsenal are more than likely to add to their squad in the summer with new centre forward a priority.
Frank, however, insists his leading marksman won’t allow question marks over his future to impact on his performance at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.
‘I don’t speak to Ivan before games about a specific opponent or for whatever reason.
‘The reason I speak to him is becaus I haven’t been pleased his performance in the previous game, or that we need him at his absolute best in the coming one.
‘There’s a lot of rumours about a lot of things. I know Ivan very well and he’s focusing on one thing, perform, do everything to help the team, hopefully score few goals and that will be it.’
For Arsenal, meanwhile, the return to form of Kai Havertz, who scored the winning goal in the reverse fixture earlier this season, has cushioned the blow of failing to sign a new forward in January.
‘It shows his character as well and how he has dealt with all those question marks,’ said Arteta of the ex-Chelsea star who scored a fine goal in Monday’s 6-0 thrashing of Sheffield United.
‘The attitude he showed all the time when things were not that good in certain phases of the game, but he continued to work hard and that’s why he’s loved by everybody here.
‘ And then we can see his quality and intelligence on the pitch and the contribution he’s having to the team, so we’re very happy with him.’
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