At one point, it seemed like Ivan Toney was the missing piece that the Arsenal attack desperately needed. Actually, I remember clearly when, in the weeks before the 2024 winter transfer window, there was a lot of talk about Ivan Toney being the striker who would elevate this Arsenal team to new heights.
The deal never went through, and some people speculated that Brentford were asking for a whopping £100 million to let go of their No. 9, a price the Gunners weren’t willing to pay.
After the winter transfer window shut, there was speculation that Arsenal might pursue the Englishman this summer, but in recent months, it seems the Gunners have had a change of heart about making a move for Toney.
There have been reports indicating that the Gunners are now on the lookout for a promising young striker, thanks to Kai Havertz’s impressive resurgence as the No. 9. Apparently, they are no longer in a rush to sign a seasoned striker.
But Gabriel Agbonlahor believes otherwise. He recommends that Arsenal consider signing Toney. He acknowledges they want Alexander Isak but feels that’s a deal that won’t go through.
According to him, Toney is a reasonable, affordable buy who would be a good choice and could enhance Arsenal’s attacking efficiency by capitalizing on the numerous chances they create.
“I think Arsenal needs a striker. There’s talk about Isak, but I don’t think Newcastle are going to sell Isak. They will find someone else to sell,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT.
“I would take Isak if possible. Younger, he is just quicker; he can play on the left as well if needed, but Ivan Toney, if he is the option, I think he will suit Arsenal as well.
“They have got Saka, Odegaard, and Trossard making little through-balls for Toney. He is very good in the air, Toney, as well as very good on the chances that Odegaard could put on for him, Martinelli, Saka, Declan Rice. I think that transfer would work.
“It’s not going to be silly, silly money on his contract what he has got left at Brentford as well. I think he will be a perfect signing for both clubs.”
In the final year of his current contract, Toney might be up for grabs at a reasonable price this summer. Given that Arteta and his technical bench seemed convinced about Toney at the end of 2023, it would be interesting to see if they would consider looking his way this summer.
Daniel O
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No we shouldn’t go for Ivan Toney,there are younger better players who can play for us, without the huge amount that might be needed to buy him
NO!
Yes, if he could be signed for about 50 million.
If he’s cheap, willing to take a sensible salary and not opposed to sometimes coming from the bench as an impact player, then yes. I’d swap both Jesus and Nketiah for him. If we are not getting a top striker, Havertz and Toney should give us the options needed.
If anyone doubts how Ivan Toney isn’t what we need upfront, that person should go back and watch our game with Brentford again.
White, Saliba and Gabriel pocketed him and rendered him so anonymous I couldn’t believe this was the player many were asking us to get and for a ridiculous amount, too.
No, Ivan Tony wouldn’t elevate us. He doesn’t even strike fear into the heart of defenders anywhere. We’re no longer a team merely competing for PL honours; we are a team ready to win the league and the Champions League. Our entire team should reflect that.
Toney isn’t a striker to win the league with; Isak and Osimhen are.
Drop 100m on either of these two, get Guimares to partner Rice in a pivot midfield and no one in Europe would want to face us.
Have you actually watched Napoli play tennis season though…
If you watch a few of the recent highlights you’d think this suggestion
Rethink*
Don’t know what Napoli are like at tennis but they were pretty average at football this season. Isak would be the dream, but he’ll be very, very difficult to shift from Newcastle this summer.
Saliba and Gabriel has pocketed Haaland as well, in fact they have pocketed many forwards this season. But regarding Toney, no. There are far better options out there. And I agree with the rest of our points.
Oh dear God please no,
If we are looking at that age profile then might as well go for Serhou Guirassy who is a fraction of the price and bangs in goals for fun. And not just tap-ins, he pretty much carried Stuttgart to champions league.