Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, but Martin Keown has raised doubts about him being a good fit.
Ivan Toney is expected to leave Brentford in January when he returns to action from his suspension for breaching gambling regulations. But Arsenal legend Martin Keown is worried whether the 27-year-old striker will be able to fit into the structure at Arsenal if he joins the club.
“I get it, Ivan Toney is a prolific goalscorer. I don’t think I’ve seen a penalty taker better than him,” Keown said on talkSPORT before continuing, “Now they’re looking if they (Brentford) can deal without him.”
“But they’re probably realising that there’s a huge bid about to come in for him, and Arsenal will probably be top of the list for that. Again for me it’s about whether the structure of the team are ready for that and they can cope. He’s going to be an out and out striker, he’s not going to be popping back in the same way Jesus does.”
The Gunners currently have Gabriel Jesus as their striker, and the Brazilian has not been a prolific goalscorer for them. However, his overall footballing ability has been outstanding, and it has helped Arsenal open up defences and bring out the best in his teammates.
“There’s a lot to offer from Nketiah & Jesus.”
“It’s about whether they can cope. He won’t be popping back like Gabriel Jesus does!”
🔴 Martin Keown debates whether #AFC actually need to sign Ivan Toney in January. pic.twitter.com/rVwTqpbSQp
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) October 13, 2023
Keown believes that Toney is an out-and-out striker who will look to lead the line and score goals for the side. However, he lacks the play-making side to his game as compared to Jesus. The 27-year-old Brentford striker is unlikely to drop deep and help out the midfield as compared to the former Manchester City striker. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
Toney will be hoping to play for a big club soon, and a move to Arsenal would be an exciting option for him. It would be a major step up, and he is likely to improve Arsenal in the final third as well.
Arsenal clearly lacked a reliable goalscorer at times since last season, and Toney will certainly fill that void. The 27-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League, and he will look to hit the ground running at the North London club.
Arsenal will need different options at their disposal if they want to compete with clubs like Manchester City on a regular basis and signing a quality number nine could prove to be a wise decision regardless of Keown’s inhibitions.
The striker has been linked with other Premier League clubs like Chelsea as well, and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can beat the competition and secure his signature soon. Chelsea could use a quality goalscorer to support Nicolas Jackson, and the 27-year-old Premier League star would be an excellent acquisition.
