Ivan Toney would like to join Arsenal if the opportunity presents itself, with Mikel Arteta likely to dip into the market for an attacker.
According to Daily Mail, Ivan Toney is keen to join Arsenal ahead of the January window. The striker will return from his footballing ban and would like to make a big move, preferably to the Gunners if the opportunity presents itself. Brentford want £80 million to part ways with him.
Arsenal defeated Manchester City on Sunday to go level on points with leaders Tottenham. Ange Popstecoglou’s side are ahead on only goals scored, as the Gunners are level on all other metrics. One would argue Spurs have played far inferior opposition so far compared to Mikel Arteta’s side, which makes for a compelling case.
Arteta has a good enough squad compared to Spurs to mount a title challenge and oust Manchester City from their dominant run spanning many years now. Many have argued that Arsenal do miss a different style of attacker that would guarantee 20-30 goals a season.
Recently, Arteta also mentioned a lack of a traditional No.9 in the setup amid links to Ivan Toney. The Brentford striker was also part of the Gunners boss’s list of strikers he mentioned while talking about a frontman.
A host of Premier League sides are keen on the £80 million-rated attacker. Brentford boss Thomas Frank recently admitted the club will listen to all offers. Toney has come to a stage in his career where he wants a big move and would prefer to join the Gunners if an opportunity presented itself.
There is still no clarity on whether Arteta wants him in his system. There are other players much younger than the £80 million-rated attacker. For instance, Arsenal have Evan Ferguson on their list, while Victor Osimhen also remains a target.
Toney brings Premier League-ready experience to the mix and hence makes for a compelling choice for any club interested in him. Chelsea are also pushing to sign the Brentford star as part of their search for the new No.9.
Arsenal are likely to enter the January transfer window in search of an attacker, with Arteta particularly keen on a wide man. Pedro Neto remains a big target for them, and in all probabilities, they will only sign one forward player in that market.
While Toney ticks a lot of boxes for a player Arteta lacks in his forward line, his £80 million price tag may also play a pivotal role in the pursuit. The Gunners did sign Kai Havertz, who can play the target man role. The German’s presence points towards Arsenal signing a winger rather than a central striker in January.
