Could Never Wear That Shirt’ – Brentford Star Ivan Toney Dismisses Spurs Move, Citing Loyalty to Arsenal Roots”
As the summer transfer window heats up, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves at the center of speculation over a potential new No. 9 — and Brentford’s Ivan Toney has been top of their list. But in a statement that’s sure to light a fire under the North London rivalry, the England striker has publicly shut the door on a move to Spurs, citing his deep-rooted loyalty to Arsenal.
Speaking during a media appearance at a recent promotional event in London, Toney didn’t mince words when asked about the persistent rumors linking him with a move to Tottenham.
> “There are certain shirts I just can’t imagine myself wearing,” he said with a laugh. “Tottenham’s one of them. It’s nothing personal, but I grew up supporting Arsenal. I watched Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and the rest as a kid. That red and white was everything to me. Spurs? It just wouldn’t feel right.”
The comment, made with a smile but an unmistakable air of seriousness, will undoubtedly resonate with Arsenal supporters — and perhaps sting a bit for those at Tottenham who were hoping to lure one of England’s most consistent forwards in recent seasons.
A Long-Standing Link
Toney, 29, has long been admired by Spurs’ recruitment team. With Harry Kane gone to Bayern Munich and Richarlison struggling to find consistent form, the club has been actively exploring options for a marquee forward. Toney — physical, clinical, and proven in the Premier League — ticks all the boxes.
Multiple reports had suggested that Spurs were preparing a formal bid, with Brentford understood to be open to negotiations as the striker enters the final year of his contract. But it seems any move across London is now off the table.
Not the First Time Loyalty Trumps Business
In modern football, loyalty is often overshadowed by the business side of the game — but Toney’s stance is a throwback. While he stopped short of declaring he’d never leave Brentford, he was crystal clear about where he wouldn’t go.
> “Football’s a job, but it’s also personal,” he added. “I know what this sport means to the fans. Growing up in an Arsenal house, watching North London derbies, you get that passion drilled into you. If I ever did leave Brentford, it would have to feel right — not just on the pitch, but in the heart too.”
It’s a sentiment not often heard in public, especially in an era where players switch allegiances with ease. And while some may see Toney’s comments as emotionally driven, others see it as a sign of character.
Spurs Now Forced to Look Elsewhere
With Toney ruling himself out, Spurs will now have to shift focus. The club had also been monitoring Lille’s Jonathan David and Juventus forward Dusan Vlahović, though both would command high transfer fees and may not bring the Premier League familiarity Toney offers.
For Brentford, Toney’s future still hangs in the balance. Having returned strongly from his betting suspension earlier this year, he’s made it clear he wants to play at the highest level. Clubs like Chelsea and West Ham have also shown interest, but Arsenal fans are now wondering — could the Gunners themselves come calling?
Asked directly if he’d consider playing for Arsenal one day, Toney gave a wry smile and said, “You never know what the future holds.”
Fans React: North London Lines Drawn
The reaction on social media has been explosive. Arsenal fans have flooded timelines praising Toney’s loyalty, while Spurs supporters are split — some respect his honesty, while others see it as an unnecessary swipe.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Fair play to Toney. In an age of mercenaries, you’ve got to respect someone who still cares about the badge.” Another, clearly a Spurs fan, posted, “If he thinks he’s too good for Spurs, we don’t need him anyway. Move on.”
One thing is certain: Ivan Toney may have just added another layer of spice to an already fiery North London rivalry — without ever kicking a ball for either club.
