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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Toney nearing a return to action</li><li>Has been suspended due to betting offences</li><li>Netted a hat-trick against Southampton</li></ul>

Ivan Toney is back with a bang! Arsenal transfer target bags hat-trick for Brentford B in behind-closed-doors friendly as he plays alongside Romeo Beckham

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Toney played 75 minutes for Brentford B as he continues to gear up for his return to competitive action, and managed to score a hat-trick in a thumping 5-1 win over Southampton's U23 side. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/explained-why-brentford-ivan-toney-banned-eight-months-fine/bltb6051c86bb7a9f3a" target="_blank">Toney has been suspended due to betting offences</a> but he is eligible to play in the Bees' next Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, and his hat-trick shows he is clearly nearing complete match fitness.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Toney has been linked with a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/arsenal-ivan-toney-thomas-frank-sign-brentford-striker/blt2a0467d7cf778168#csb3cf7275c8a87ee4" target="_blank">potential move to Arsenal this January</a>, in a deal that could cost around £80m ($101m), as the Gunners look to strengthen their forward line. The striker scored two headers and a tap-in against the Saints, as he took to the pitch alongside David Beckham's son, Romeo. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🎩 <a href="https://twitter.com/ivantoney24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ivantoney24</a> in the goals Enjoy the Big Man's hat-trick ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/1IVPOduBeD">pic.twitter.com/1IVPOduBeD</a>— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/1743643959006466336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Toney was in red-hot form before his suspension, scoring 21 goals in 35 games for Brentford in 2022/23. It remains to be seen if he is capable of getting back to those levels this term but the Bees need him, as they are currently 16th in the Premier League table - just four points clear of the drop zone.

DID YOU KNOW?

Brentford face Forest on January 20. Toney is very likely to be involved and will be out for a repeat of this treble, both to boost his current employers up the table while also putting himself in the shop window for a potential move.

WHAT NEXT?

Ivan Toney is back with a bang! Arsenal transfer target bags hat-trick for Brentford B in behind-closed-doors friendly as he plays alongside Romeo Beckham | Goal.com

Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick for Brentford B against Southampton U23s on Saturday as he gears up for his return to competitive action. 