Arsenal game is no ‘audition’ for Toney – Frank

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Thomas Frank has dismissed suggestions that Saturday’s game against Arsenal is an “audition” for Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.

The Bees expect to sell Toney this summer and he has been heavily linked with Arsenal in recent months.

Brentford boss Frank said: “I don’t think Ivan treats any game like an audition.


“I know Ivan very well and he is focused on only one thing – to perform and do everything to help the team and hopefully score a few goals.

“I don’t speak with Ivan before games about specific opponents. The reason I may speak to him is because I haven’t been happy with a performance or that we need him at his absolute best in the upcoming game.

“He plays for Brentford, he wants to perform for Brentford and do well for us. There are a lot of rumours out there are and the reasons for those rumours are because he has performed well in almost every game, no matter who we have faced.”

Toney appeared to pick up a knock towards the end of the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

But Frank confirmed: “He’s fine. He will start.”

Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo is on course to return against Manchester United later this month.